Acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis: focusing management for optimum results

Acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis can be recognized clinically by (1) increased cough and dyspnea, (2) a change in character of sputum, and (3) an increase in quantity of sputum. Routine chest radiographs are probably not warranted in initial evaluation. Therapy is aimed at control of inflammation, infection, bronchoconstriction, and mucin production. Corticosteroids improve flow rates in patient with respiratory insufficiency. Antibiotic therapy appears to decrease hospital stay and improve flow rates in patients with bacterial infection, as determined by sputum examination or the presence of two of the following symptoms: increased dyspnea, increased sputum production, purulent sputum. Gram's stain of expectorated sputum often allows targeted and cost-effective therapy. Ipratropium bromide (Atrovent) is the bronchodilator of choice; concomitant use of beta agonists has additional benefit. Research on future therapy may focus on the role of corticosteroids, mucolytic agents, and drugs that counteract the effects of neutrophil elastase. Smoking cessation is the first step in prevention. Antibiotic prophylaxis is warranted only in patients with four or more exacerbations per year. Pneumoccoccal and influenza vaccinations are effective and safe; unfortunately, they are underutilized at present.