Treating acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis.
The value of medical therapy for acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis generally increases with the severity of the episode. Antibiotics have a definite but limited benefit in severe cases. Systemic corticosteroids are valuable during hospitalization, but not after the patient has been discharged. Once recovery has occurred, pulmonary rehabilitation can improve quality of life.
San Pedro
G
G
Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Section, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, Shreveport, USA.
George
R
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000368:Aged; D000465:Algorithms; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001991:Bronchitis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016540:Smoking Cessation
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents