Approach to antibiotic therapy for S. pneumoniae (pneumococcal) bronchiectasis exacerbations in children

Only use antibiotic therapy for children with an exacerbation of bronchiectasis who meet the criteria for antibiotic therapy – see Principles of antibiotic therapy for bronchiectasis exacerbations in children. For clinically stable children with bronchiectasis who are known to be colonised with Streptococcus pneumoniae, do not use antibiotic therapy.

Management decisions should be discussed with the treating specialist and guided by the child’s individualised bronchiectasis management plan.

Oral therapy is recommended whenever possible for S. pneumoniae (pneumococcal) bronchiectasis exacerbations in children. Use intravenous therapy for children who have severe respiratory symptoms (eg increased work of breathing, hypoxaemia) or for those who have not responded to or are unable to tolerate or absorb oral therapy.