22nd May 2024

A 77-year-old male is referred to the acute medical unit by his GP with a cough

A 77-year-old male is referred to the acute medical unit by his GP with a cough and shortness of breath. He has had recurrent admissions with infective exacerbations of COPD, although no microbiology results are available. He has had a productive cough with green sputum for 4 days. He feels breathless on minimal exertion. On his last admission, a CTPA was done to rule out a PE, which showed emphysema as well as an element of bronchiectasis (and no PE). Currently, he is alert and able to complete sentences. His RR is 21, saturations are 90% on air, his HR is 91, BP 122/60. He is pyrexial at 38.9. His bloods are awaited.

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