These stories are based on information gathered from health
professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health
decisions.
Paula, age 26: I was diagnosed with acute
bronchitis after having the flu. Although I know people who have used
antibiotics for this condition, my doctor explained that antibiotics would not
be effective for acute bronchitis caused by a viral infection. She suggested I
take cough medication for my cough if necessary. This made sense to me.
Josef, age 67: 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.
Theo, age 46: 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.
Martha, age 52: 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.
