From the Guidelines
Treatment for rhonchi should prioritize addressing the underlying cause, and bronchodilators like albuterol may be used in select cases, especially when wheezing accompanies the cough, as suggested by the ACCP evidence-based clinical practice guidelines 1. When managing rhonchi, it's essential to consider the patient's overall condition and the potential causes of the rhonchi, such as COPD, bronchitis, pneumonia, or asthma.
- The use of bronchodilators, such as albuterol, can help relax airway muscles and improve airflow, but should not be routinely used in patients with acute bronchitis without wheezing, as stated in the ACCP guidelines 1.
- In cases where wheezing is present, treatment with 2-agonist bronchodilators may be useful, as noted in the ACCP guidelines 1.
- Other management strategies, such as mucolytics, adequate hydration, and chest physiotherapy techniques, can also help alleviate symptoms and improve respiratory function.
- For infectious causes, antibiotics may be necessary if bacterial infection is suspected, and inhaled corticosteroids like fluticasone might be needed for inflammatory conditions, as suggested by the European Respiratory Society task force 1 and the BTS guidelines 1.
- It's crucial to treat the underlying condition to resolve rhonchi and improve respiratory function, and the management approach should be individualized based on the patient's specific needs and condition.
From the Research
Rhonchi Treatment
Rhonchi are sounds that are produced by the turbulent flow of air through partially obstructed airways, and they are a common symptom of various respiratory conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. The treatment of rhonchi typically involves the use of bronchodilators, which are medications that help to relax and open up the airways, making it easier to breathe.
Types of Bronchodilators
There are several types of bronchodilators that can be used to treat rhonchi, including:
- β(2)-adrenoceptor (AR) agonists, such as salmeterol and formoterol 2
- Muscarinic receptor antagonists, such as tiotropium and glycopyrronium bromide 2, 3
- Xanthines, such as theophylline 2
- Long-acting β 2-adrenoceptor agonists (LABAs) and long-acting muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonists (LAMAs) 3, 4
Treatment Regimens
The treatment of rhonchi typically involves the use of a combination of bronchodilators, and the specific regimen will depend on the individual patient's needs and medical history. Some common treatment regimens include:
- The use of a LABA and a LAMA in combination, which has been shown to be effective in improving lung function and reducing symptoms in patients with COPD 3, 4
- The use of a LABA and an inhaled corticosteroid in combination, which has been shown to be effective in improving lung function and reducing symptoms in patients with asthma 2
- The use of azithromycin in combination with other medications, such as salmeterol and tiotropium, which has been shown to be effective in treating COPD patients with acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis 5
Efficacy of Treatment
The efficacy of bronchodilators in treating rhonchi has been demonstrated in several studies. For example, a study published in 2021 found that the use of azithromycin in combination with salmeterol and tiotropium was effective in improving lung function and reducing symptoms in patients with COPD 5. Another study published in 2020 found that the use of LABAs and LAMAs in combination was effective in improving lung function and reducing symptoms in patients with COPD 4. However, a study published in 2002 found that azithromycin was no better than vitamin C in treating acute bronchitis 6.