Abstract |
Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a virus, while the chronic form is due to inhalative noxae (in most cases decades of cigarette smoking). Both varieties are diagnosed on a clinical basis. Treatment of acute bronchitis is symptomatic. A sore throat is treated locally, and a troublesome, in particular nocturnal, cough with antitussive agents applied for a limited period (14 days). If bronchial mucus is viscous and difficult to clear, short-term treatment with a secretolytic or mucolytic substance is justified. Management of chronic bronchitis consists primarily in the elimination of the noxae. Treatment with antibiotics (usually oral) makes good sense only when there is a bacteriological infection of the upper or lower airways in an acute stage, such as infection-driven exacerbation of chronic obstructive bronchitis ( COPD).
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Authors | A Gillissen, C Gessner, S Hammerschmidt, G Hoheisel, H Wirtz |
Journal | MMW Fortschritte der Medizin
(MMW Fortschr Med)
Vol. 148
Issue 1-2
Pg. 26-8
(Jan 12 2006)
ISSN: 1438-3276 [Print] Germany |
Vernacular Title | Akute Bronchitis. Wann symptomatisch, wann mit Antibiotika behandeln? |
PMID | 16610409
(Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Adult
- Anti-Bacterial Agents
(therapeutic use)
- Bacterial Infections
(diagnosis, drug therapy)
- Bronchitis
(diagnosis, drug therapy)
- Child
- Diagnosis, Differential
- Female
- Germany
- Humans
- Male
- Superinfection
(drug therapy)
- Virus Diseases
(diagnosis, drug therapy)
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