Systemic steroid use (≥10mg oral prednisolone x at least 2 weeks)
Bronchiectasis
Recent Abx use
Recent hospitalization
Prior respiratory cultures with Pseudomonas or Enterobacteriaceae
Pearls
IV antibiotics should only be used if the patient cannot tolerate PO
Procalcitonin can be useful in determining which patients are least likely to benefit from abx and for which abx can SAFELY be discontinued (esp. for mild-moderate AECOPD)
Guidelines