Personal stories about taking antibiotics for acute bronchitis

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.