The role of antibiotics and chronic lung disease

Summary

Sputum purulence is highly suggestive of bacterial infection in the lower respiratory tract and is a prime indicator for the commencement of antibiotic therapy. The choice of an appropriate antimicrobial agent depends on a number of factors including local antibiotic sensitivity/resistance patterns, bioavailability of selected drugs and an understanding of the possible interaction between the chosen antibiotic and host defence mechanisms including neutrophils and cytokines.

Keyword:

• Respiratory tract infection
• cefaclor
• defense mechanisms
• chronic lung disease