Infectious exacerbations of chronic bronchitis: diagnosis and management

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Abstract
Chronic bronchitis is an increasing cause of significant morbidity and mortality. Despite treatment, respiratory tract infection is the most common identifiable cause of death for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Repeated infectious exacerbations may ultimately cause acute and chronic lung injury. The most common bacterial aetiologies of acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (AECB) include Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis and Streptococcus pneumoniae.Pseudomonas aeruginosa is often a nosocomial pathogen and is becoming more prevalent in patients with severe underlying disease. Viruses are responsible for approximately one-third of acute exacerbations overall. Atypical pathogens are causative pathogens in 65 years) or have recurrent exacerbations. In patients who do not have these risk factors (i.e. those with simple chronic bronchitis), agents such as co-trimoxazole remain useful.

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