Antibiotics in asthma exacerbations are indicated when there is concern for what?

• A. Pneumonia
• B. Pneumothorax
• C. Sinusitis
• D. Urinary tract infection

Answer: (A)

Antibiotics are not routinely used in an asthma exacerbation; they are considered only if there is concern for a concurrent bacterial infection of the lungs, most notably pneumonia. If fever, localized chest findings (such as crackles or signs of consolidation), or imaging showing lobar consolidation are present, antibiotics may be indicated to treat the infection driving the acute illness.

Pneumothorax would present with sudden chest pain and unilateral decreased breath sounds and requires urgent management rather than antibiotics. Sinusitis and urinary tract infection are separate infections that would not explain an acute asthma flare; their management depends on their own clinical features, not the asthma exacerbation itself.