CHRONIC-BRONCHITIS - CHOOSING THE OPTIMAL TREATMENT

Among the various therapies for chronic bronchitis none is more import ant, both for relieving symptoms and for preserving pulmonary function , than cessation of cigarette smoking. Unfortunately, even when patien ts are motivated and programs are aggressive, results are unspectacula r. Chronic bronchitis often responds favorably to bronchodilating agen ts. For initial therapy, ipratropium bromide (Atrovent) is the agent o f choice because of its efficacy and safety. The role of anti-inflamma tory drugs is not yet clear, although inhaled steroids are beneficial in some patients. Most patients improve with smoking cessation and/or judicious pharmacologic intervention.