Q: My 50 years old father is suffering from chronic bronchitis. Should I get him operated or would the use of steroid inhalers and broncho-dilator give him relief?

A:The treatment of chronic bronchitis involves treating the agent leading to the condition for example smoking, exposure to dust, chemicals etc. The treatment is in the form of inhaled medications (steroids, long acting beta agonist, anticholinergics) and oral medicines are added if the inhaled medications are not fully effective. Along with medications, pulmonary rehabilitation programme is also useful for these patients. Surgery is indicated for patients with large bullas and pneumothorax. There are reports that lung volume reduction surgery is helpful in select group of patients.