Treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis: state of the art

Article Abstract:

Individuals with chronic bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchi of the lungs) have a greater chance of developing acute episodes of bronchitis caused by bacteria. Effective treatment of acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (ABE) can actually improve general lung function. Factors that predispose patients to these bacterial infections include impaired clearing of the lungs, blockage of the bronchioles of the lungs and infection of the epithelium (outer layer of cells) of the bronchi. Laboratory tests of sputum from patients with ABE of chronic bronchitis suggest the likely presence of bacteria and an increased number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell involved in the destruction of bacteria. The species of bacteria associated with ABE can include Hemophilus influenzae, Hemophilus parainfluenza, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis, various species of Neisseria and, less frequently, Klebsiella and Pseudomonas species. If ABE is developing, patients should be treated with antibiotics, especially ampicillin, bronchodilators and physiotherapy. When ampicillin can not be tolerated or organisms are resistant to it, an antibiotic from the quinolone group should be used. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Bacterial infections, Bronchitis

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Ciprofloxacin treatment of malignant external otitis

Article Abstract:

The effectiveness of ciprofloxacin was examined in 23 patients with malignant external otitis, inflammation of the external auditory canal of the ear. Another 61 patients with malignant external otitis were treated with the antibiotics penicillin and gentamicin given intravenously, directly into the circulation. Ciprofloxacin cured 21 patients and had no effect on two patients. The duration of treatment with ciprofloxacin was 17 days, and bacteria were eliminated within an average of seven days. In contrast, intravenous antibiotic treatment with penicillin and gentamicin lasted 49 days and was effective within 15 days. Ciprofloxacin did not cause any major side effects and was well tolerated by patients, whereas intravenous antibiotic treatment caused serious side effects in about 46 percent of patients. The results demonstrate that the administration of ciprofloxacin, in addition to removal of damaged ear tissue, can improve symptoms of malignant external otitis. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Evaluation, Otitis externa, Quinolones, Ciprofloxacin

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