How to treat chronic bronchiectasis

The treatment of chronic bronchiectasis includes treatment during the acute exacerbation period and treatment during the remission period. During the exacerbation period, attention must be paid to controlling infection, or some methods must be used to eliminate phlegm and relieve asthma. During the remission period, attention must be paid to care in daily life, quitting smoking and drinking, and improving the body's immunity.

(1) Control infection: Antimicrobial drugs such as quinolones, macrolides, and β-lactams can be used for oral administration or intravenous administration when the condition is severe. For example, levofloxacin and azithromycin, if the pathogenic bacteria can be cultured, antimicrobial drugs can be selected according to the drug sensitivity test.

(2) Antitussive and expectorant: You can try compound licorice mixture, or add expectorant drugs such as bromhexine, ambroxol hydrochloride, and myrtle oil. For those with dry cough, antitussive drugs such as dextromethorphan can be used.

(3) Antiasthmatic: Patients with asthma can add antispasmodic and antiasthmatic drugs, such as aminophylline, or aminophylline controlled-release agents, or long-acting β2 agonists plus inhaled glucocorticoids.

(4) Quit smoking: avoid inhalation of harmful gases and other harmful particles.

(5) Strengthening physical fitness and preventing colds are also one of the main aspects of preventing and treating chronic bronchitis.

(6) Prevention : The condition can be controlled for some patients and will not affect their work or study; however, some patients may develop obstructive pulmonary disease or even cor pulmonale, with a poor prognosis. Changes in lung function in chronic bronchitis should be monitored so that effective treatment options can be selected in a timely manner to control the progression of the disease.