The workplace impact of acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (AECB); A literature review

Acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (AECB) are known to have a substantial economic burden in terms of medical care costs. The objective of this study was to assess workplace-based costs associated with AECB, including absenteeism and decreased productivity, based on a review of published literature. A secondary goal was to identify factors related to workplace-based costs in AECB. A literature search was conducted to identify relevant articles assessing one or more aspects of work loss or workplace costs among patients with chronic bronchitis. A review of the identified literature indicates that patients with chronic bronchitis had more days off work; patients whose exacerbations were treated were less likely to have additional exacerbations and had comparatively less work loss. Findings suggest that clinical outcomes and workplace costs are related. While this relationship is clearer in terms of work loss, further exploration is needed to assess decreased productivity and to evaluate this relationship using objective indicators of absenteeism and productivity rather than recall.