ANTIBIOTICS



Many exacerbations of airway obstruction are secondary to acute infections. In patients with bronchiectasis, the specific organism responsible, usually S. aureus or Pseudomonas, is easily iden­tifiable. However, in patients with bronchitis or asthma, a specific agent associated with periodic increases in cough and sputum is not usually iso­lated. In the first case, the appropriate antibiotic can be chosen, while in the latter case it is often more cost-efficient to administer a broad-spec­trum antibiotic such as ampicillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, or tetracycline. The route of administration depends on the specific agent and the acuteness of the process.