Protracted bacterial bronchitis: reinventing an old disease. Issue 1 (22nd November 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Craven, Vanessa; Everard, Mark L
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 98:Issue 1(2013)
• Page Start: 72
• Page End: 76
• Publication Date: 2012-11-22
• Subjects: Respiratory -- General Paediatrics; Children -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2012-302760
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-9888

Abstract

Abstract : Chronic cough is common in the paediatric population, yet the true prevalence of this condition remains difficult to define. Protracted bacterial bronchitis (PBB) is a disease caused by the chronic infection of the conducting airways. In many children the condition appears to be secondary to impaired mucociliary clearance that creates a niche for bacteria to become established, probably in the form of biofilms. In others, immunodeficiencies, which may be subtle, appear to be a factor. PBB causes persistent coughing and disturbed sleep, and affects exercise tolerance, causing significant levels of morbidity. PBB has remained largely unrecognised and is often misdiagnosed as asthma.