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  • Title: [Chronic bronchitis. Development, prevention].
    Author: Neukirch F, Perdrizet S.
    Journal: Rev Mal Respir; 1988; 5(4):331-46. PubMed ID: 3051196.
    Abstract:
    The adoption of an arbitrary epidemiological definition for chronic bronchitis has enabled some progress to be made in the understanding of the frequency and natural course of this disease. It is important to distinguish between chronic airflow obstruction and chronic hypersecretion of bronchial mucus. The prevalence of the disease can only be assessed in selective groups of the population and varies according to the characteristics of these groups, but is approximately 15% of men and 8% of women. There is relatively low mortality in France: 6/100,000 in 1985 and varies according to the departments, up to 38/100,000 inhabitants. These data ought to be interpreted with care and it is also important to take account of factors linked to their evolution. Longitudinal studies undertaken 20 years ago have allowed two hypotheses to be formulated to aid in a more precise understanding of the natural history of the disease: the first of these was the Dutch hypothesis which is currently undergoing a renewal of interest linked to epidemiological studies on HRB, and the English hypothesis which has the merit of emphasizing the principal risk factor in chronic bronchitis. Certain smokers are sensitive to tobacco, even though some others are not. Does the explanation of this lie in the relationship between obstructive ventilatory problems and bronchial hyper-reactivity? This association is discussed in the light of recent work as well as the relationship between bronchial hyperactivity, smoking and chronic bronchitis. Other risk factors have been studied: occupational hazards, air pollution and acute respiratory infections in childhood. But, in spite of all the work carried out to better define the risk factors and prognosis of the disease, this makes up a complex overall picture which is poorly understood and which should stimulate us to further research. The prevention of the disorder should be aimed at three levels; at the primary level (to prevent the appearance of the disorder) the only objective which may lead to a satisfactory solution in public health terms, a secondary level would be to identify those people or groups at special risk, but it is not recommended to undertake systematic examination of large populations in view of the fact that the early diagnosis of non-specific chronic pulmonary disease as well as special studies have not been shown to demonstrate the value of these procedures. The objective of prevention is to eliminate or neutralise factors linked to the disease.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
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