Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Role of Antibiotics?

Mirica Rapić

Abstract


In order to discuss a role of antibiotics, a 73-year old patient was presented, having an exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and to whom amoxicillin/clavulanate antibiotic was prescribed. Literature search has indicated that antibiotics are recommended for COPD patients in two cases. Firstly, they arerecomended in the patients having an acute exacerbation with increased dyspnoea, sputum volume, and sputum purulence. Common options usually include amoxicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanate, azithromycin, and doxycycline. Secondly, it is also recommended for preventive purposes in patients with severe COPD having frequent exacerbations. But, still remain uncertainty on the antibiotic used in outpatients, having mild or moderate COPD.

Key words: COPD, exacerbation, antibiotics, preventive use of antibiotics


Keywords*


COPD, exacerbation, antibiotics, preventive use of antibiotics

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