Review
English
Alshaari AA, Jauoda KH
Department of Internal Medicine and Chest Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Al Arab University for Medical Sciences. Benghazi, Libya.
Libyan J Infect Dis. 2009;3(1):28-36
Abstract
Bronchiectasis is the abnormal and permanent distortion of one or more of the conducting bronchi or airways, most often secondary to an infectious process. Recurrent Gram-negative bacterial infection is a significant cause of death in patients with bronchiectasis. The goals of therapy are to improve symptoms, to reduce complications,
morbidity and mortality. Antibiotics have been the mainstay of treatment for more than 40 years. Oral, parenteral, and aerosolized antibiotics are used, depending on the clinical situation. In acute exacerbation, broad-spectrum antibacterial agents are preferred.
Long-term antibiotic therapy might be beneficial. High doses of antibiotics are often required. The nebulized or parenteral route may be employed to achieve high levels of drug and to avoid side effects of high oral dose. No specific medical therapy exists for the treatment of bronchiectasis, so antibiotic regimens are needed.
Keywords: bronchiectasis, bronchial dilatation, cystic bronchiectasis, cylindrical bronchiectasis, varicose bronchiectasis, P aeroginosa, tobramycin inhaler.
Link/DOI: