[Sputum purulence: practical guide to introduce antibiotic therapy]

Rev Med Suisse. 2016 Feb 3;12(504):250, 252-5.
[Article in French]

Abstract

In the collective unconscious of doctors and patients, purulent sputum is correlated with bacterial infection requiring antibiotics. The introduction of antibiotic therapy in a patient with purulent sputum is legitimate only in certain situations. The presence of purulent sputum during a mild infection of the upper airways does not generally justify the introduction of antibiotic treatment. In patients with chronic respiratory diseases, studies have shown that purulent sputum is often associated with a secondary bacterial infection and antibiotic therapy may provide clinical benefit.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Bacterial Infections / drug therapy*
  • Bacterial Infections / microbiology
  • Chronic Disease
  • Coinfection / drug therapy
  • Coinfection / microbiology
  • Humans
  • Sputum / microbiology*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents