Question

A 68-year-old man with known chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) presents with an increase in breathlessness, a change in sputum to yellow-green and increased sputum volume over 3 days. He has no radiographic consolidation and remains haemodynamically stable. According to COPD-X guidelines, what is the main indication for starting antibiotics in an acute COPD exacerbation?

Accepted Answer

Increased sputum purulence with at least one other cardinal symptom

Answer

Any increase in breathlessness alone

Answer

Presence of wheeze on examination

Answer

History of atopy and asthma overlap

Answer

Any COPD exacerbation regardless of sputum characteristics

Practice question