Conclusions. Role of the oral Beta-lactams in the treatment of exacerbations of chronic bronchitis: critical analysis and therapeutics recommendations.

摘要

The GIARIR study group has made a critical analysis of the most recent scientific literature on acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (ABECB) with the aim of proposing therapeutic recommendations applicable to the current epidemiological situation in Italy. The international literature has indicated the scarcity of studies on the treatment of ABECB compared to an abundance of information regarding chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), of which ABECB is often considered the initial ore predisposing stage, even though a precise evolutionary correlation between these pathologies has not yet been demonstrated.ABECB is the principle cause of doctor visits, hospitalization and death in COPD patients. The natural course of the disease is characterized by the appearance of exacerbation episodes (a mean of two yearly). For this reason it is indispensable to prevent exacerbations, to treat them as quickly as possible, in order to minimize their negative effects on the respiratory tract and the patient's general health.