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01:17Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation
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01:23Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema
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01:19Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease IV: Clinical Manifestations
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01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
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Chronic Inflammation
Chronic Inflammation
01:17Other Pulmonary Disorders
Respiratory disorders encompass a range of conditions with varying levels of severity. Asthma, marked by chronic airway inflammation and hypersensitivity, is one such condition. It can lead to airway obstruction due to factors like bronchial spasms, mucosal edema, increased mucus secretion, or epithelial damage. Asthma triggers are diverse, ranging from allergens to emotional upset, and treatment focuses on both immediate relief through bronchodilators and long-term inflammation suppression.
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Bronchiectasis.
Nick Ht Ten Hacken1, Huib Am Kerstjens
1University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
BMJ Clinical Evidence
|August 18, 2011
Summary
This systematic review evaluates treatments for bronchiectasis without cystic fibrosis, analyzing 19 studies on interventions like inhaled corticosteroids and antibiotics to assess their effectiveness and safety.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Clinical Medicine
- Evidence-Based Practice
Background:
- Bronchiectasis often follows lower respiratory infections, leading to chronic cough and purulent sputum.
- It can manifest signs of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and is linked to conditions like cystic fibrosis and lung damage from other causes.
- This review focuses on non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, a distinct clinical entity requiring specific management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the effects of various treatments for bronchiectasis in patients without cystic fibrosis.
- To synthesize evidence on the efficacy and safety of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.
- To provide clinicians with an evidence-based overview for managing this chronic respiratory condition.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted across major databases (Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library) up to April 2011.
- Inclusion criteria encompassed systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and observational studies.
- The GRADE system was used to evaluate the quality of evidence for the included interventions.
Main Results:
- Nineteen systematic reviews, RCTs, or observational studies met the inclusion criteria for the review.
- The review identified and analyzed data on a wide range of interventions.
- Evidence quality was assessed using the GRADE methodology to inform conclusions.
Conclusions:
- The review summarizes the effectiveness and safety of numerous interventions for non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.
- Interventions assessed include anticholinergic therapy, beta(2) agonists, physical therapy, corticosteroids, exercise, hyperosmolar agents, leukotriene receptor antagonists, methyl-xanthines, mucolytics, antibiotics, and surgery.
- This comprehensive overview aids in clinical decision-making for bronchiectasis management.