Antibiotic therapy of exacerbations of chronic bronchitis.

摘要: The role of antibiotics in acute exacerbations chronic bronchitis (AECB) remains controversial because patients commonly harbor the same bacteria their sputum at times stability and illness. However, prospective randomized controlled trials do show a benefit for use antibiotics, compared with placebo, AECB, particularly if have least 2 following 3 symptoms: increased dyspnea, volume, purulence. In this setting, value, leading to more rapid resolution symptoms return peak flow rate, placebo. addition, may prevent some from developing secondary pneumonia prolong time between exacerbations. When are used, variety factors must be considered choosing an agent. These include likelihood antibiotic-resistant bacteria, factor that relates defining subsets patients. Patients can fall into 1 categories, each different suggested therapy. categories simple complicated AECB risk infection P. aeruginosa. antibiotic should chosen pharmacokinetics pharmacodynamic behavior mind. future, research will need confirm careful selection specific agents lead improved patient outcomes, but already preliminary data supporting concept.