Health status and costs of exacerbations of chronic bronchitis and COPD: how to improve antibiotic treatment

Abstract

Up to 10% of the adult population in most countries may be affected by chronic bronchitis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The course of the disease is characterized by frequent exacerbations with increased respiratory symptoms. Exacerbations are the most important cause of morbidity and mortality, and significantly impair the health status of chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. It has been observed that impairment in health status associated with exacerbations may not recover completely if recurrent exacerbations occur. Therefore, strategies to prolong the time free of exacerbations are a cornerstone of therapy. Antibiotics have demonstrated additional benefits to bronchodilators and corticosteroids in the treatment of exacerbations. Furthermore, the possible role of antibiotics in preventing exacerbations and reducing the costs of chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients is discussed.

Keywords::

• antibiotics
• chronic bronchitis
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• costs
• exacerbations
• failure
• health status
• treatment