When are antibiotics indicated for acute COPD exacerbations?

Abstract

Antibiotics (including those given orally) reduce mortality and treatment failures for hospitalized patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (strength of recommendation [SOR]: A, based on systematic reviews). Antibiotics may be prescribed in the outpatient setting for those with severe exacerbations (SOR: C, based on expert opinion).