Symptom resolution assessed using a patient directed diary card during treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis

Ian Woolhouse, S Hill, Robert Stockley

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle

34 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis are common and the presenting symptoms vary, although it is not clear how this should influence management. From a health care perspective, an understanding of the speed of symptom resolution is of importance to determine the success of treatment or when a change is indicated because of treatment failure. METHODS: The response of 63 patients treated at home for exacerbations of chronic bronchitis was assessed using a patient directed diary card incorporating sputum characteristics and symptoms. Treatment was given according to the nature of the sputum at presentation; patients with purulent sputum received an antibiotic for 5 or 10 days (randomised, double blind) whereas patients with mucoid sputum received high dose inhaled steroid or placebo for 14 days (randomised, double blind). RESULTS: The mean (SE) total diary card score at presentation was significantly higher in the purulent group than in the mucoid group (19.7 (0.9) v 16.3 (0.9); mean difference -3.4 (95% CI -6.1 to -0.7), p
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)947-953
Number of pages7
JournalThorax
Volume56
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2001

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Symptom resolution assessed using a patient directed diary card during treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this