Bronchitis antibiotics: what to know

Bronchitis commonly causes cough because the breathing tubes are irritated after an infection. Antibiotics act against bacteria, not viruses, and can cause side effects or contribute to resistance when taken unnecessarily. A cough or coloured mucus alone does not establish that antibiotics are needed. The clinician may consider your examination, duration of symptoms, fever, breathing pattern and other health conditions.

Rest, drink fluids, avoid smoke and ask a pharmacist about suitable symptom relief. Never use leftover antibiotics or share a prescription. If antibiotics are prescribed, take them exactly as directed and ask what to do if you miss a dose or develop a reaction. Seek advice before starting treatment if you have medicine allergies, are pregnant, or take regular medicines.

Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, blue lips, confusion, fainting, chest pain or coughing blood. Arrange medical review when fever is persistent or worsening, symptoms are getting harder to manage, or a cough continues beyond the expected recovery period. People with asthma, COPD, weak immunity or significant heart disease may need tailored advice sooner.

Ask whether your illness appears viral or bacterial, what improvement to expect, how to manage the cough, and which side effects require a call.