The role of antibiotics in the management of acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis (answers to some commonly asked questions).

More than 7 million Americans suffer from chronic bronchitis, and it has been estimated that each of these patients will experience between one and four acute exacerbations a year. This problem constitutes a major social and financial burden on our society. Despite the prevalence of this disorder there is still considerable disagreement among physicians as to appropriate treatment, especially with regard to the use of antibiotics. Though the role of antibiotics is unclear, the pharmaceutical industry is trying to obtain regulatory approval of several new antibiotics for use in exacerbations of chronic bronchitis. We examine the role of antibiotics in the management of chronic bronchitis.