Respiratory
Bronchiectasis Exacerbation
BTS 2019 — increased symptoms (cough, sputum volume/purulence, dyspnoea, malaise) — tailored antibiotics by colonisation, airway clearance, escalation triggers.
Source: BTS Bronchiectasis 2019
Step 1 of ~6
info
Definition + Initial Assessment
Confirmed bronchiectasis (HRCT) + acute deterioration in ≥3 of: cough, sputum volume, sputum purulence, dyspnoea, fatigue/malaise, haemoptysis, fever lasting ≥48h. Bloods: FBC, U&E, CRP, sputum culture (essential — guides antibiotic choice). CXR if signs of pneumonia.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
Drugs
- Tobramycin Inhalation · Inhaled Antibiotics — Bronchiectasis & Cystic Fibrosis
- Colistimethate Sodium (Inhaled) · Inhaled Antibiotics — Bronchiectasis & Cystic Fibrosis
- Gelatin (succinylated) · Colloid plasma volume expander
- Propranolol · Beta-Blocker — Infantile Haemangioma (Airway)
- Prednisolone (Paediatric) · Corticosteroid — Asthma Exacerbation / Croup / Nephrotic Syndrome / IBD
- Azithromycin (COPD Exacerbation Prophylaxis) · Macrolide antibiotic (anti-inflammatory / prophylactic)
Pathways
- Acute Asthma in Adults · BTS/SIGN British Guideline on Asthma 2019; NICE NG80
- Pulmonary Embolism Assessment · NICE NG158; ESC 2019 PE Guidelines
- Acute Exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) · NICE NG115; GOLD 2024
- Spontaneous Pneumothorax (Adult) · BTS Pleural Disease 2023
- Atypical Pneumonia (Legionella / Mycoplasma / Chlamydophila) · BTS 2023; IDSA
- COPD Exacerbation Management · NICE NG115 / GOLD 2024
Decision support only. Always apply local guidelines and clinical judgement.