Therapy of Obstructive Bronchial Diseases: The Physicochemical Approach

Abstract

The principal aims of treatment in obstructive chronic respiratory conditions are threefold: (a). to decrease the viscosity of the material present in and obstructing the free passage of air throughout the tracheobronchial tree; (b). to facilitate and promote the effective removal from the tracheobronchial tree of the obstructing matter; and, (c). to prevent the accumulation of pathologic viscous secretions in the tracheobronchial lumen. Bronchial secretions as they exist in the lungs cannot be analyzed owing to their inaccessibility. Hence, hypothetical models were constructed within the framework of data pertaining to the mechanisms controlling the physical properties of such categories of matter. The physicochemical approach to treatment of chronic obstructive conditions of the respiratory system is based upon the physicochemical properties of the major polymers found in all bronchial secretions. It includes measures designed to increase the ionic strength of the respiratory tract fluids, and measures designed to maintain the neutrality of the body. Such measures increase the volume of bronchial fluids, break down the component particles into simpler units, and thus decrease the viscosity of intrabronchial contents. The action of therapeutic agents employed is examined within the framework of the theoretical models.