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Antibiotic Use

Acute Bronchitis

Antibiotics and acute bronchitis

Antibiotics and Acute Bronchitis Symptoms Seeking Care Recovery Prevention Resources

Antibiotics and Acute Bronchitis

Using antibiotics incorrectly has led to antibiotic-resistant germs — here’s what you can do to help.

Antibiotics are being used for many unnecessary conditions and viruses, so bacteria are becoming more antibiotic-resistant.

As a result, these medicines are now less effective, causing patients to need different antibiotics that kill a wider range of bacteria.  This can lead to more side effects and higher costs. In some rare cases, there may not be any suitable antibiotics available to treat a particular infection.

Therefore, we must use antibiotics correctly to prevent the development of antibiotic-resistant infections.

Symptoms of Acute Bronchitis

Acute bronchitis, also called a “chest cold,” is usually caused by a virus.  It can cause the following symptoms:

  • Cough with or without mucus.
  • Fatigue.
  • Chest soreness.
  • Mild headache.
  • Mild body aches.
  • Sore throat.

When to Seek Care

If you are healthy with no heart or lung problems or a weakened immune system, you should feel better in less than three weeks.

Call your healthcare provider if you or your child have any of the following:

      • Temperature of 100.4° F or higher lasting longer than 3-4 days.
      • Cough with bloody mucus.
      • Trouble breathing.
      • Symptoms that last longer than three weeks.
      • If you have had bronchitis several times in a short period of time.
      • Severe cough associated with a “whooping” sound or vomiting after coughing.

      Feeling Better

      The good news is that acute bronchitis usually clears up on its own. In most cases, you don’t need antibiotics.

      What can you do?

      • Rest.
      • Drink plenty of fluids.
      • Use a clean humidifier or cool mist vaporizer.
      • Run a hot shower or fill a bowl with hot water and breathe in the steam.
      • Use lozenges for sore throat or cough.
        • Do not use lozenges for children younger than 4 years old.
      • Talk to your pharmacist about over-the-counter medicines that can treat your symptoms.

      If you have pertussis (also known as whooping cough) or pneumonia, your healthcare provider will likely prescribe antibiotics. Take them as directed.

      Preventing Bronchitis

      • Clean your hands often with soap and water or hand sanitizer.
      • Keep up to date with vaccines.
      • Don’t smoke.
      • Avoid secondhand smoke, chemicals, dust, and air pollution.
      • Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing, so you don’t infect others.

      Useful Links

      CDC: Preventing and Treating Bronchitis (PDF)

      CDC: What is Acute Bronchitis?

      CDC: Spanish information(Bronquitis)

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