How is bronchitis treated?

Introduction

Bronchitis, characterized by inflammation of the bronchial tubes, presents with symptoms such as coughing and mucus production. Treatment strategies vary based on the type (acute or chronic) and severity of the condition.

Key Insights from Research Papers

Chest Physiotherapy and Devices:
- Positive expiratory pressure (PEP) masks combined with chest physiotherapy can reduce cough, mucus production, and acute exacerbations in chronic bronchitis patients, potentially preserving lung function.
Herbal Medications:
- Pelargonium sidoides (EPs 7630) has been shown to effectively reduce the severity of symptoms in acute bronchitis without the need for antibiotics.
Pharmacological Interventions:
- Routine use of bronchodilators, epinephrine, or corticosteroids has not been justified due to lack of demonstrated clinical benefits in bronchiolitis, which may inform treatment approaches for bronchitis .
- Antibiotics are commonly prescribed for purulent exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, with tetracycline, penicillin with streptomycin, and ampicillin being the most used.
- Nebulized epinephrine and hypertonic saline have shown some promise in the treatment of bronchiolitis, potentially applicable to bronchitis care .
Supportive Care:
- Supportive care remains the cornerstone of bronchiolitis management, focusing on fluid replacement, nasal suctioning, and oxygen therapy, which may also be relevant for bronchitis treatment .

Conclusion

The treatment of bronchitis involves a combination of strategies. For chronic bronchitis, chest physiotherapy with PEP devices has been effective in reducing symptoms and preventing exacerbations. Herbal medications like EPs 7630 offer a non-antibiotic option for acute bronchitis. While pharmacological treatments such as bronchodilators and corticosteroids are not routinely recommended due to lack of evidence, antibiotics remain a treatment for severe cases. Supportive care, including hydration and oxygen therapy, is fundamental in managing bronchitis, especially in severe cases.

How is bronchitis treated?

Summary

Introduction

Key Insights from Research Papers

Conclusion

Sources and full results

Long-term treatment of chronic bronchitis with positive expiratory pressure mask and chest physiotherapy.

Long-term treatment with a positive expiratory pressure mask and chest physiotherapy can reduce morbidity and preserve lung function in chronic bronchitis patients.

Pelargonium sidoides preparation (EPs 7630) in the treatment of acute bronchitis in adults and children.

EPs 7630 is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for acute bronchitis in adults, children, and infants without strict antibiotic indication.

Controversies in the treatment of bronchiolitis

Routine use of bronchodilators, epinephrine, or corticosteroids for treating bronchiolitis in young children is not justified without demonstrated clinical benefits for individual patients.

Antibiotic regimens in severe and acute purulent exacerbations of chronic bronchitis.

Tetracycline, penicillin with streptomycin, and ampicillin show similar efficacy in treating severe and acute purulent exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, but tetracycline is more effective in treating acute exacerbations.

Current therapy for bronchiolitis

Nebulised epinephrine offers short-term benefits, while oral dexamethasone with nebulised epinephrine potentially decreases hospitalization and length of stay in infants with bronchiolitis.

Diagnosis and Management of Bronchiolitis

This clinical practice guideline outlines diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for bronchiolitis in children, focusing on bronchodilators, corticosteroids, antiviral and antibacterial agents, hydration, chest physiotherapy, and oxygen.

Diagnosis and management of acute bronchitis.

Acute bronchitis is often viral, and symptomatic treatment with protussives, antitussives, or bronchodilators is appropriate, but antibiotics are often ineffective and contribute to antibiotic resistance.

The management of acute bronchiolitis

Acute bronchiolitis in infants is managed mainly through supportive care, with oxygen, fluid replacement, and careful observation as the cornerstones.

Treatment of bronchiolitis: state of the art.

Supportive care and nebulized adrenaline show short-term benefits for bronchiolitis treatment, while pharmacological approaches remain controversial.

Current treatment for acute viral bronchiolitis in infants

Infants with acute viral bronchiolitis benefit most from supportive care, with no convincing evidence supporting other therapies, except for adrenaline.

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