COPD-X | C5.9 Sputum examination

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Authors

Contents

C1. Aetiology and natural history

C2. Diagnosis

C3. Assessing the severity of COPD

C4. Assessing acute response to bronchodilators

C5. Specialist referral

C5.1 Complex lung function tests

C5.2 Exercise testing

C5.3 Sleep studies

C5.4 Chest x-rays

C5.5 High resolution computed tomography

C5.6 Ventilation and perfusion scans

C5.7 Transcutaneous oxygen saturation

C5.8 Arterial blood gas measurement

C5.9 Sputum examination

C5.10 Haematology and biochemistry

C5.11 Electrocardiography and echocardiography

C5.12 Trials of Therapy

O: Optimise function

P: Prevent deterioration

D: Develop support

X: Manage eXacerbations

Appendices

References

Summary of changes in version 2.30

A PDF of The COPD-X Plan Version 2.30 Dec 2011
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C: Confirm diagnosis

C5. Specialist referral

C5.9 Sputum examination

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C5.9 Sputum examination

Routine sputum culture in clinically stable patients with COPD is unhelpful and unnecessary. Sputum culture is recommended when an infection is not responding to antibiotic therapy or when a resistant organism is suspected.

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COPD-X Plan - Version 2.30 - December 2011

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Top COPD-X Areas

C: Confirm diagnosis

O: Optimise function

X: Manage eXacerbations

P: Prevent deterioration

O1. Inhaled bronchodilators

D: Develop support network and self-management

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