Chronic bronchitis: A risk factor for bronchial infection

Chronic bronchitis is a clinical entity characterised by chronic bronchial mucus hypersecretion. It is frequently associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and it is related to worse outcomes. COPD patients with chronic bronchitis experienced accelerated lung function decline and an increased risk of exacerbations. Chronic mucus hypersecretion is also associated with acute or chronic bacterial bronchial infection, and increased airway and systemic inflammation. In addition, different antibiotic and antiinflammatory treatments have been tested in these patients, with conflicting results. Mechanisms to explain the relationship between chronic bronchitis and infection are not well established, although host factors have been identified as key factors in the pathogenesis of bronchial infection. This chapter discusses the association of chronic bronchitis and the risk of bronchial infection, and the infection mechanisms that are responsible for this association, potential antibiotic and antiinflammatory treatment.