You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them.
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Acute bronchitis means that the tubes that carry air to the lungs (the bronchial tubes) are inflamed and irritated. When this happens, the tubes swell and produce mucus. This makes you cough.
Acute bronchitis is almost always caused by a virus. It's more common during the winter months and often develops after an upper respiratory tract infection such as the flu or a cold. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) may be a cause, especially in adults older than 65.
Acute bronchitis can also be caused by exposure to smoke, chemicals, or air pollution, all of which can irritate the bronchial tubes. Or it may happen if you accidentally inhale food or vomit.
If you have no other health problems, acute bronchitis poses little risk.
Pneumonia is the most serious problem that can occur. It's most likely to develop if you have a long-term (chronic) disease, such as:
Treatment for people with these health problems depends on their condition.
If you don't have any other health problems besides acute bronchitis, antibiotics won't be very helpful.
Antibiotics can help shorten the length of time you have a cough, but they may cause side effects and contribute to antibiotic resistance.footnote 1
Most cases of acute bronchitis go away in 2 to 3 weeks, but some may last 4 weeks. Home treatment to relieve symptoms is usually all that you need. Here are some things you can try that may help you feel better:
Your doctor may recommend that you take antibiotics for acute bronchitis if:
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What is usually involved? |
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What are the benefits? |
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What are the risks and side effects? |
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These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.
I was diagnosed with acute bronchitis after having the flu. Although I know people who have used antibiotics for this condition, my doctor told me that antibiotics would not be effective for acute bronchitis caused by a viral infection. She suggested I take cough medicine for my cough if necessary. This made sense to me.
Paula, age 26
I have asthma. When I was diagnosed with acute bronchitis, my doctor felt that because of the asthma, and my age, that I was at risk for pneumonia. He suggested a course of antibiotics, and I agreed.
Josef, age 67
When I was diagnosed with acute bronchitis, I thought I'd get some antibiotics and that would be the end of it. My doctor explained that this might shorten my cough by a day but really would do no more. One day is not worth the hassle and cost of antibiotics, so I just used cough medicine.
Theo, age 46
I guess acute bronchitis usually goes away in a couple of weeks, so my doctor suggested I treat my symptoms at home. But it's been about a month and I'm still coughing and feeling bad. We are going to try some antibiotics.
Martha, age 52
Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.
Reasons to take antibiotics
Reasons not to take antibiotics
I'm worried that I might be sick with something other than acute bronchitis.
I just have acute bronchitis.
My cough is pretty bad, and I think antibiotics could help me relieve it.
I want to try home treatment to relieve my cough.
I'm not worried about the side effects of antibiotics.
I don't want to deal with the side effects of antibiotics.
I'm willing to take the risk that antibiotics won't work the next time I really need them.
I don't want to take antibiotics if I don't really need them.
My other important reasons:
My other important reasons:
Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.
Taking antibiotics
NOT taking antibiotics
Check the facts
Decide what's next
Certainty
1. How sure do you feel right now about your decision?
Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.
Author | Healthwise Staff |
---|---|
Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine |
Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine |
Primary Medical Reviewer | Robert L. Cowie MB, FCP(SA), MD, MSc, MFOM - Pulmonology |
Acute bronchitis means that the tubes that carry air to the lungs (the bronchial tubes) are inflamed and irritated. When this happens, the tubes swell and produce mucus. This makes you cough.
Acute bronchitis is almost always caused by a virus. It's more common during the winter months and often develops after an upper respiratory tract infection such as the flu or a cold. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) may be a cause, especially in adults older than 65.
Acute bronchitis can also be caused by exposure to smoke, chemicals, or air pollution, all of which can irritate the bronchial tubes. Or it may happen if you accidentally inhale food or vomit.
If you have no other health problems, acute bronchitis poses little risk.
Pneumonia is the most serious problem that can occur. It's most likely to develop if you have a long-term (chronic) disease, such as:
Treatment for people with these health problems depends on their condition.
If you don't have any other health problems besides acute bronchitis, antibiotics won't be very helpful.
Antibiotics can help shorten the length of time you have a cough, but they may cause side effects and contribute to antibiotic resistance.1
Most cases of acute bronchitis go away in 2 to 3 weeks, but some may last 4 weeks. Home treatment to relieve symptoms is usually all that you need. Here are some things you can try that may help you feel better:
Your doctor may recommend that you take antibiotics for acute bronchitis if:
Take antibiotics for acute bronchitis | Don't take antibiotics | |
---|---|---|
What is usually involved? |
|
|
What are the benefits? |
|
|
What are the risks and side effects? |
|
|
These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.
"I was diagnosed with acute bronchitis after having the flu. Although I know people who have used antibiotics for this condition, my doctor told me that antibiotics would not be effective for acute bronchitis caused by a viral infection. She suggested I take cough medicine for my cough if necessary. This made sense to me."
— Paula, age 26
"I have asthma. When I was diagnosed with acute bronchitis, my doctor felt that because of the asthma, and my age, that I was at risk for pneumonia. He suggested a course of antibiotics, and I agreed."
— Josef, age 67
"When I was diagnosed with acute bronchitis, I thought I'd get some antibiotics and that would be the end of it. My doctor explained that this might shorten my cough by a day but really would do no more. One day is not worth the hassle and cost of antibiotics, so I just used cough medicine."
— Theo, age 46
"I guess acute bronchitis usually goes away in a couple of weeks, so my doctor suggested I treat my symptoms at home. But it's been about a month and I'm still coughing and feeling bad. We are going to try some antibiotics."
— Martha, age 52
Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.
Reasons to take antibiotics
Reasons not to take antibiotics
I'm worried that I might be sick with something other than acute bronchitis.
I just have acute bronchitis.
My cough is pretty bad, and I think antibiotics could help me relieve it.
I want to try home treatment to relieve my cough.
I'm not worried about the side effects of antibiotics.
I don't want to deal with the side effects of antibiotics.
I'm willing to take the risk that antibiotics won't work the next time I really need them.
I don't want to take antibiotics if I don't really need them.
My other important reasons:
My other important reasons:
Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.
Taking antibiotics
NOT taking antibiotics
1. Will antibiotics help you feel better faster when you have acute bronchitis?
2. Can home treatment relieve most symptoms of acute bronchitis?
3. Is there anyone who can benefit from taking antibiotics for acute bronchitis?
4. Can you take antibiotics as often as you feel you need to and still have them work every time?
1. Do you understand the options available to you?
2. Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you?
3. Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice?
1. How sure do you feel right now about your decision?
2. Check what you need to do before you make this decision.
By | Healthwise Staff |
---|---|
Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine |
Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine |
Primary Medical Reviewer | Robert L. Cowie MB, FCP(SA), MD, MSc, MFOM - Pulmonology |
Current as of: March 9, 2022
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Robert L. Cowie MB, FCP(SA), MD, MSc, MFOM - Pulmonology
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