Question

A 69-year-old man with severe COPD asks whether antibiotics are always needed for exacerbations. Which is the correct indication?

Accepted Answer

Indicated when all three cardinal symptoms (dyspnoea, sputum volume, purulence) are present or if ventilatory support is required

Answer

Antibiotics are indicated for all exacerbations

Answer

Only for afebrile patients

Answer

Only if CRP >100 mg/L

Answer

Never indicated

Practice question

A 69-year-old man with severe COPD asks whether antibiotics are always needed for exacerbations. Which is the correct indication?