Antibiotics for pneumonia and bronchitis

Both illnesses can cause cough, mucus and fever, but pneumonia affects lung tissue and may impair oxygen exchange. A clinical assessment helps separate them and determines whether an antibiotic or further testing is appropriate.

Acute bronchitis is inflammation of the larger breathing tubes and usually follows a respiratory virus. Coloured mucus can occur during airway inflammation and does not by itself prove that bacteria are present. Antibiotics offer no benefit against a viral cause.

Pneumonia develops deeper in the lungs and can be bacterial or viral. Findings such as breathing rate, oxygen level and sounds on chest examination help a clinician judge the likelihood and severity. Chest imaging or other tests may be used when the diagnosis is uncertain or illness is more serious.

Do not start spare antibiotics for a new cough. If one is prescribed for suspected bacterial pneumonia or a specific bacterial infection, take it according to the label and complete the intended course unless the prescriber changes the plan.

For either illness, rest, maintain fluid intake and avoid smoke. A pharmacist or clinician can advise on fever or pain relief that suits your health history. Return for assessment when recovery is not following the expected course, even if you are already taking an antibiotic.

Seek emergency help for severe breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips, collapse, confusion, extreme drowsiness or severe chest pain. A child with marked chest pulling, grunting, pauses in breathing or difficulty waking needs immediate medical care.

Obtain prompt assessment when breathlessness is increasing, fever persists with deterioration, fluids cannot be kept down, urine output falls, blood is coughed up or symptoms improve and then sharply worsen. These changes may indicate pneumonia or another complication rather than uncomplicated bronchitis.

Ask which findings support bronchitis or pneumonia, whether oxygen measurement or imaging is needed, and what symptom trend is expected. If antibiotics are offered, clarify the suspected bacterial cause, dosing instructions, possible interactions and the point at which lack of improvement needs another review.