II. Prevention
III. Management: Exacerebation Pre-planning
- Emergency prescriptions (available at home in case of exacerbation)
- Supply Albuterol MDI or nebulizer solution
- Supply Prednisone 40 mg orally daily for 5 days
- Supply Antibiotic for 5 days to cover in case of uncomplicated Chronic Bronchitis exacerbation
- See Antibiotic Use in COPD Exacerbation
- First-Line: Bactrim, Doxycycline or Amoxicillin
- Alternative: Augmentin, Zithromax or Clarithromycin
- Advanced Directives
IV. Indications: Phone Contact
- Worsening symptoms (patient should call clinic)
- Dyspnea
- Sputum Color change
- Sputum volume increase
- Phone follow-up (clinic should call patient)
- Routine triage nurse or provider phone call follow-up 2 days after start of exacerbation
- Set up clinic exam within 7 days of COPD exacerbation
V. Management: Home
- Continue home management protocol
- See COPD Management for GOLD Criteria and stepped approach to care
- Long-acting Bronchodilators (e.g. Tiotropium, Salmeterol)
- Inhaled Corticosteroids (e.g. Fluticasone) if indicated
- Initiate acute management
- Increase use of Albuterol MDI or nebulizer (rescue Inhaler)
- Start Prednisone 40 mg orally daily for 5 days (see emergency prescriptions listed above)
- Start Antibiotic for 5 days (see emergency prescriptions listed above)
VI. References
- (2014) Presc Lett 21(1): 2