Pathogen-directed therapy in acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

ABSTRACT: Acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are important events in the natural history of this chronic lung disorder. These events can be caused by a large number of infectious and noninfectious agents and are associated with an increased local and systemic inflammatory response. Their frequency and severity have been linked to progressive deterioration in lung function and health status. Infectious pathogens ranging from viral to atypical and typical bacteria have been implicated in the majority of episodes. Most therapeutic regimens to date have emphasized broad, nonspecific approaches to bronchoconstriction and pulmonary inflammation. Increasingly, therapy that targets specific etiologic pathogens has been advocated. These include clinical and laboratory-based m

SUBMITTER: Martinez FJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2647652 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature