Evidence-based acute bronchitis therapy.
Acute bronchitis is a disease characterized by inflammation of the large airways within the lung accompanied by a cough lasting from 1 to 3 weeks. The inflammation occurs as a result of an airway infection or environmental trigger, with viral infections accounting for an estimated 89% to 95% of cases. Symptomatic treatment of cough is primarily required for patients, though in most cases the condition is self-limiting. Therapy consists of both nonpharmacological and pharmacological options to include antibiotics and antivirals, antitussive agents, protussive agents, and beta-2-agonists. This article reviews the treatment options for acute bronchitis and recommends criteria for use.
South University School of Pharmacy, Savannah, GA 31406, USA. ktackett@southuniversity.edu
Kimberly L
KL
Tackett
Aaron
A
Atkins
D000208:Acute Disease; D058666:Adrenergic beta-2 Receptor Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000996:Antitussive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001991:Bronchitis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003371:Cough / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D058666:Adrenergic beta-2 Receptor Agonists; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000996:Antitussive Agents; D000998:Antiviral Agents