What to do in an exacerbation

Antibiotics are used to treat an infective exacerbation which presents with an acute deterioration, usually over a few days. If possible a mucus sample should be submitted to guide antibiotic choices.
An antibiotic may be started based on previous mucus sensitivities where a specific bacteria is unknown.
If there is failure to improve after 5-7 days of antibiotic therapy, a change my be indicated and sputum test result can guide this.
Two weeks of antibiotics are recommended.
Increasing fluids will help to keep airways hydrated and thin the mucus making it easier to cough up.
Patients should increase frequency of their airway clearance technique.
They should increase frequency of nebulised saline or bronchodilator in line with chest physiotherapy.