Chronic bronchitis definition

The definition above has replaced older ones that focused to varying degrees on chronic bronchitis and/ or emphysema. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema frequently represent different consequences of the same insult leading to changes in large aiiways, small airways and pulmonary parenchyma (Table 1). 

The diagnosis of chronic bronchitis is based primarily on clinical assessment and history. By definition, any patient who reports coughing up sputum on most days for at least 3 consecutive months each year for 2 consecutive years suffers from chronic bronchitis. Table 43-1 presents a classification and treatment scheme for chronic bronchitis. 

Potassium iodide has been widely used in asthma and chronic bronchitis as an expectorant. There is considerable controversy about its efficacy. It should not be used in adolescent patients because of its potential to aggravate and induce acne and its effect on the thyroid gland. In view of its doubtful efficacy and definite toxicity, it would be preferable if physicians stopped prescribing it as an expectorant. 

Chronic mucus hypersecretion, which causes persistent cough with sputum and fits with the original definition of simple chronic bronchitis. This condition arises chiefly in the large airways, usually clears up when the subject stops smoking and does not on its own carry any substantial risk of death. 

The use of antimicrobials for chronic bronchitis is controversial. Numerous comparative evaluations, including placebo-controlled smdies of antibiotic administration with acute and chronic treatment of chronic bronchitics, have suggested definite clinical benefit, whereas other similar studies have The antibi-... 

Wilson R, Tillotson G, Ball P. Clinical studies in chronic bronchitis A need for better definition and classification of severity. J Antimicrob Chemother 1996 37 205-208. 

AMERICAN THORACIC SOCIETY (1962) Committee on diagnostic standards, definitions and classification of chronic bronchitis, asthma and pulmonary emphysema. American Review of Respiratory Disease, 85, 762-768. 

Mustard burns may leave areas of hypopig-mentation or hyperpigmentation, sometimes with scarring. Individuals who survive an acute, single mustard exposure with few or no systemic or infectious complications appear to recover fully. Previous cardiopulmonary disorders, severe or inadequately treated bronchitis or pneumonitis, a prior history of smoking, and advanced age all appear to contribute to long-term chronic bronchitis there is no definitive way to determine whether these conditions are the result of aging,... 

American Thoracic Society Committee on Diagnostic Standards for Non-Tuber-culous Respiratory Diseases Definitions and clarifications of chronic bronchitis, asthma, and pulmonary emphysema. Am Rev Respir Dis 1962 85 762-768. 

Medical Research Council. Definition and classification of chronic bronchitis for clinical and epidemiological purposes. Lancet 1965 1 775-781. 

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