Who can take part in the Phytobronch study?
Inclusion criteria were:
First visit for this bronchial episode
- Age > 18
- Consult for one of these reasons:
- Acute cough (< 8 days) as main symptom, suggestive of acute bronchitis
- An illness (< 8 days) for which cough is not the main symptom, but for which the physician considers acute bronchitis to be the main diagnosis (including COVID and influenza).
- First visit for this bronchial episode
What is acute bronchitis?
Acute bronchitis is a mild respiratory infection, often caused by viruses, with symptoms such as coughing up secretions, sore throat, respiratory discomfort and fatigue, and usually little fever. The upper and lower respiratory tracts are affected by the inflammation caused by the pathogens, and the infection is transmitted mainly by air, via sneezing and coughing. Acute bronchitis is mainly caused by viruses (90% of cases), although secondary bacterial infections can also occur.
The disease usually heals within a few days, without antibiotics. However, for patients at risk (fragile bronchi, respiratory illnesses such as asthma or COPD, or a weakened immune system), antibiotics may be prescribed to avoid complications such as bronchopneumonia.
In the case of bronchopneumonia, symptoms are complicated by worsening respiratory symptoms and sometimes chest pain and/or a feeling of compression.
What treatments?
Treatment is generally based on symptom-relieving drugs such as painkillers and fever reducers (paracetamol, ibuprofen) and expectorants. Kaloba® , approved in Europe since 1991, appears to be beneficial in reducing the severity and duration of symptoms of acute viral bronchitis.
Antibiotics are only prescribed if a bacterial infection is suspected. Their use must be limited to prevent bacterial resistance to antibiotics.
Recovery is generally rapid in people with no risk factors.
Preventive measures include smoking cessation and flu vaccination, especially for those at risk. 4. Privacy and confidentiality
References :
- https://www.planetesante.ch/Maladies/Bronchite-aigue
- Immunization, immunomodulation and prevention of respiratory infections, J. Mazza-Stalder, C.-A. Siegrist, J.-P. Janssens,Swiss Medical Journal No 41, 16/11/2005
- Management of acute bronchitis in Switzerland with Pelargonium sidoides EPs®7630 extract versus usual treatments – a pragmatic randomized controlled trial. Data source: BASEC
