Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis
Acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis (AECB) is a sudden deterioration in a person with chronic bronchitis, marked by increased cough, thicker or more discoloured sputum, and worsening breathlessness. These episodes are especially common across South and Southeast Asia, where air pollution, tobacco use, and biomass-fuel cooking all contribute to high rates of underlying chronic airway disease.
Medicines used to treat Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis
What drives an exacerbation
Most exacerbations are set off by a respiratory infection. Bacteria account for roughly half of all episodes, with species such as Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Streptococcus pneumoniae most frequently implicated. Viral infections and environmental irritants, including smog and cigarette smoke, trigger most of the remainder. Cold, dry conditions in northern cities like Beijing, Seoul, and Delhi, or the hazy season in parts of Thailand and Malaysia, can tip a stable patient into an acute episode.
Antibiotic treatment
When sputum turns purulent or breathlessness noticeably worsens, an antibiotic is typically needed. Oral beta-lactams are the most commonly used class, and two options in the antibiotics category appear in this catalogue. Cefuroxime is a second-generation cephalosporin with reliable activity against the commonest AECB pathogens. Cefdinir is a third-generation cephalosporin that offers a similar spectrum and once- or twice-daily dosing. Choice between them depends on local resistance patterns and patient history.
Alongside any antibiotic, short-acting bronchodilators, adequate hydration, and rest support recovery. Anyone whose breathing deteriorates rapidly, whose lips or fingertips turn blue, or who cannot speak in full sentences should seek urgent medical attention without delay.