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Dutch researches have found that a short course of Antibiotics is just as effective as the standard longer course in treatment of COPD flare ups.

COPD, short for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, refers to conditions such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Sufferers of COPD, commonly breathless to begin with, can suffer sudden worsening of breathlessness accompanied by increased cough, difficulty breathing, increased Sputum production and an increase in pus production.

Ms. B.M.Roede of the University of Amsterdam worked with colleagues to study 10,000 adults, some of which were given antibiotic treatment for more than 5 days, and some for less than 5 days. The results were the same in both instances.

Roede concluded that treatment using antibiotics can be reduced safely and proposed that COPD guidelines recommend a treatment time of 5 days or less, regardless of antibiotic class.