The bronchial tubes of people with chronic bronchitis are inflamed and likely plugged with mucous. When they catch a cold, it often leads to a more serious bacterial infection. In the course of monitoring the current medical literature, our staff at the Center for Current Research is occasionally struck by a project so promising that it should be shared with everyone. 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.
Gram's stain of expectorated sputum often allows targeted and cost-effective therapy. 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. Background Information Acute bronchitis , inflammation of the bronchial tubes, can occur in people of any age, though in children it is harder to distinguish from upper respiratory infections and colds.