A 58-year-old man with COPD presents with acute worsening breathlessness and productive cough. He has had two similar exacerbations in the past year. ...

Question

A 58-year-old man with COPD presents with acute worsening breathlessness and productive cough. He has had two similar exacerbations in the past year. Which additional preventive measure should be considered to reduce future exacerbations, besides vaccination, smoking cessation and inhaler optimisation?

Accepted Answer

Long-term macrolide therapy under specialist supervision.

Answer

Long-term prophylactic high-dose oral steroids.

Answer

Routine monthly antibiotic courses.

Answer

Long-term oxygen therapy for all patients with COPD.

Answer

Daily nebulised saline only.

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): Frequent COPD exacerbations