Chronic Bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis (CB) is a clinical term used to designate a particular pattern of persistent muco-productive cough. CB is characterized by enlarged mucus-producing cells. CB is NOT a specific disease entity. Underlying pathologies vary and are often obscure. Criteria for a diagnosis of CB are presence of a productive cough greater than 25 cc / per day for at least three months during each of two consecutive years.

In patients with severe CB, excess secretions become thick and tenacious as a result of recurrent infectious exacerbations, making cough clearance difficult. In addition, inflammatory by-products associated with refractory infection damage the mucociliary structures that advance mucus from lower to central airways, resulting in ever-worsening secretion retention.

Left untreated, consequences include:
  • airway obstruction
  • dyspnea
  • bronchial spasms
  • infectious exacerbations
  • pneumonia
  • declining pulmonary function
  • quality of life deficits
  • escalating healthcare costs
  • premature death

Effective removal of excess respiratory secretions, combined with antibiotics and other drugs, can moderate episodes of acute illness and significantly slow disease progression. Many physicians prescribe high-frequency chest compression (HFCC) airway clearance therapy (ACT) for CB patients who cannot mobilize and clear airway secretions without therapeutic intervention.

To view all clinical HFCC studies…
See also…

    Articles

  • Braverman J, Kulenkamp A. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – A role for high frequency chest compression therapy. Respir Therp 2007; 2 (40: 20-23. [Link]
  • Braverman J, Miller H. High-frequency chest compression: a practical therapy for patients with bronchiectasis. Respir Therp 2008; 3 (1): 22-26. [Link]
  • Braverman J, Nozzarella M. High-frequency chest compression: Advanced therapy for obstructive lung disease. Respir Therp 2007; 2 (2): 48-51. [Link]

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