Antibiotics for acute bronchitis

Antibiotics are not routinely used for acute bronchitis because the illness is commonly caused by a virus, which antibiotics cannot treat. A clinician may consider them when an examination suggests a bacterial infection or another diagnosis that needs antibiotic treatment. Coloured phlegm alone does not show that antibiotics are required.

Acute bronchitis is inflammation of the larger breathing tubes, often following a cold. It can cause a persistent cough, mucus, chest soreness and wheezing. Antibiotics act against bacteria; they do not shorten a viral illness. Taking them when they are unlikely to help can cause diarrhoea, nausea, a rash or an allergic reaction, and it contributes to bacteria becoming harder to treat later.

Rest, drink enough fluid to avoid dehydration and avoid smoking or smoky air. Warm drinks may soothe the throat. A pharmacist or clinician can check whether a pain or fever medicine is suitable for you, particularly if you are pregnant, have kidney or liver disease, take blood thinners or use other medicines. Do not use leftover antibiotics or share them. If antibiotics are prescribed, take them exactly as directed and seek advice if side effects develop.

Seek urgent medical help for severe difficulty breathing, blue or grey lips, confusion, fainting, or chest pain that is intense or does not settle. Arrange a clinical assessment if fever persists, breathing becomes harder, you cough up blood, symptoms worsen after starting to improve, or the cough is not settling. Earlier review is sensible for anyone with significant heart or lung disease, reduced immunity, pregnancy, frailty or very young age.

Ask what findings support acute bronchitis rather than pneumonia or an asthma flare, which symptom relief is safe with your medicines, and what change should prompt reassessment. If an antibiotic is offered, ask which suspected bacterial problem it is intended to treat, how to take it, and which reactions require prompt help.