Should I take antibiotics for acute bronchitis?

Answer by  Lornah (282)

No. Antibiotics will only help to reduce the symptoms of bronchitis and will not help in curing it. The best thing to do is to buy appropriate drugs for bronchitis or visit a health specialist in order to get more information about the disease and also for proper diagnosis of the disease and appropriate monitoring by your doctor.

Answer by  catherine656 (14)

Whether to take antibiotics depends on the cause of the bronchitis. Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections and not other causes, such as viral infections or allergic reactions. This decision is ultimately up to your doctor, as you will need a prescription to obtain antibiotics if he or she thinks you need them.

Answer by  ara (26)

Acute bronchitis is most often caused by a viral infection, which means that antibiotics should not be taken. Antibiotics are generally used for bacterial infections. They aren't effective against viruses and could potentially do more harm that good. Please keep in mind that only your physician will be able to tell you what treatment (if any) should be taken.

Answer by  rosieposey78 (1304)

The only reason a doctor would prescribe antibiotics for acute bronchitis would be if the doctor felt there was an infection caused by bacteria. Acute bronchitis usually develops after a viral infection and antibiotics cannot cure a viral infection.

Answer by  bvaniea (312)

No, if the condition is a sudden onset it very well could clear up on its own. Antibiotics should be taken if the condition progressivly worsens or does not improve.

Answer by  ladyhaly (40)

Acute bronchitis has several possible causes--- most of them being viruses. Because of this, antibiotics are rarely indicated (even if purulent sputum is present), unless the symptoms continue for more than 10 days or there is an underlying disease such as congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive lung disease, or an immunodeficiency.