Acute exacerbation of COPD | Right Decisions

Please update your RDS mobile app to version 4.7.1

We are pleased to advise that deep linking capability, enabling users to directly download individual mobile toolkits, has now been released on the RDS mobile app. When you install the update, you will see that each toolkit has a small QR code icon the header area beside the search icon – see screenshot below. Clicking on this icon will open up a window with a full-size QR code and the alternative of a short URL for sharing with users. Instructions are provided.

You may need to actively install the update to install RDS app version 4.7.1 to see this improvement. Installing this update is also strongly recommended to get the full benefits of the new contingency arrangements – specifically, that if the RDS website should fail, you will still be able to download new mobile app toolkits.

To check your current RDS version, click on the three dots bottom right of the RDS app screen. This takes you to a “More” page where you will see the version number. To install latest updates:

On iPhones – go to the Apple store, click on your profile icon top right, scroll down to see the apps waiting to be updated and update the RDS app.

On Android phones – these can vary, but try going to the Google Play store, click on your profile icon top right, click on “Manage apps and device”, select and update the RDS app.

Please get in touch with ann.wales3@nhs.scot with any questions.

Diagnosis:

Increased volume and/or purulence of sputum with worsening breathlessness and cough
No evidence of pneumonia on CXR
If evidence of pneumonia on CXR treat as per CAP severity assessment (CURB-65) or Hospital-acquired Pneumonia.

Review previous antibiotic history and sputum microbiology.

Required Investigations

CXR
Sputum for culture; TRAK as 'C&S-Respiratory (Routine Bacteriology)'
Viral throat swab if being admitted (swab throat and nose at same time with single swab, send in viral transport medium); TRAK as 'Resp Virus Screen'

Antimicrobial Recommendation

Recommended total duration: 5 days

Recommended Antibiotic

Doxycycline 200mg stat on first day, then 100mg daily orally 4 days

Amoxicillin 500mg every 8 hours orally

Notes

Likely organisms: Viral, H.influenzae, S.pneumonia, M.catarrhalis