Sputum in bronchitis

COPD exacerbation is defined by:
- increase in cough
- increase in dyspnea
- change in sputum quality/quantity

Recent study confirms the correlation between sputum color and the presence of potentially pathogenic bacteria. Especially yellow or green sputum was more predictive than sputum purulence or dyspnea in acute exacerbations.

Currently when do we use abx?

 All three above-mentioned criteria.

When we use two criteria, one has to be change in sputum.