Acute Bronchitis occurs when the airways of the lungs swell and/or produce mucus.  The combination of mucous production and swelling as well as post nasal drip will lead to cough. 

​

​

Bronchitis comes in two forms, acute and chronic.  Acute bronchitis, or more appropriately called a “chest cold,” is the most  common type of bronchitis. With Acute Bronchitis the symptoms usually last less than 3 weeks but will sometimes persist longer.  Acute bronchitis will not have a fever.  Antibiotics are not recommended if you’re a healthy person without underlying  heart or lung problems or a weakened immune system.

​

​

Several studies have demonstrated that antibiotics do not change the duration of illness in Acute Bronchitis.  People that take antibiotics and those that don't get better at the same time. 

 

It is important to remember that antibiotics frequently cause side effects and may also cause bacteria to develop resistance.  Once a bacteria develops resistance to a particular antibiotic, that antibiotic will not kill that bacteria anymore.  The main point is that you should not take antibiotics unless there is a reasonable suspicion that your symptoms are from a bacterial infection, because otherwise you won't benefit from taking them and will certainly risk harm. 

​

Below are links to more information on Bronchitis.  

​