Modern Bronchoscopic Treatment Options for Patients with Chronic Bronchitis

Abstract

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and has a large impact on a patient’s quality of life due to its wide range of symptoms and comorbidities. There are known to be different phenotypes in COPD with various extents on the burden of the disease and its prognosis. Chronic bronchitis with persistent cough and mucus production is regarded as one of the main symptoms of COPD with tremendous effects on subjectively reported symptom burden and frequency of exacerbations. Exacerbations in turn are known to have an impact on disease progression and increase health care costs. Modern bronchoscopic treatment options are currently under investigation targeting the problem of chronic bronchitis and frequent exacerbations. This review summarizes the existing literature about these modern interventional treatment options and provides perspectives on upcoming studies.