title: Treating acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis.
abstract: 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.
authors: Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Section, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, Shreveport, USA.
authors: G
authors: G
authors: San Pedro
authors: R
authors: R
authors: George
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents