Antibiotics for bronchitis?

[bartleby]

After suffering through the worst flu ever last week, I now have bronchitis. I went to a doctor yesterday to get checked out, and he diagnosed bronchitis and gave me a prescription for antibiotics, which I haven't started taking (generic Zithromax). I called my naturopath to get an appointment with her, but she is out with the flu. However, the front desk guy at the naturopath's office (married to one of the doctors in the practice) told me, "Oh, but I think you do have to take antibiotics for bronchitis. Otherwise it's a really tough infection to get rid of." He's not a medical professional, so I'm skeptical of his advice, but still I am wondering if I'm a fool for not taking the antibiotics. I'm scared of the side effects, for one (nausea, diarrhea). I've been sick enough already. I don't need the cure to be worse than the disease!

Can I kick this thing without having to take the meds? I do have asthma, which is why I think the doc gave me the antibiotics. But I haven't had any trouble breathing or anything. Just lots of coughing and mucus (which has subsided somewhat the last day or two).

Thanks!

[TonyaW]

I don't know the answer. I have bronchitis right now and turned down the antibiotic prescription for now. I was reading that most bronchitis is viral though. I don't really know how you would know if it is bacterial. I did read that yellow or greenish mucous could be a sign that it is bacterial.

[Marnica]

sorry you are feeling ill

Most cases of bronchitis are viral in nature. A high fever usually accompanies bacterial bronchitis and alot of thick green mucus. Yellow mucus does not mean bacterial infection. THICK GREEN does.  

• Most cases of acute bronchitis go away in 2 to 3 weeks, but some may last 4 weeks. Home treatment to relieve symptoms is usually all that you need. If it were me and I did not have a high fever or thick green mucus, I would treat naturally for a week and see if I improved. I would be hitting the vitamin c at VERY high doses (to bowel tolerance). Id also be taking as much raw garlic as I cold stand. Also would up the usual immune boosting things I take such as Vit D, and probiotics . Also quercitin is a natural anti-inflamatory. Also lay off the dairy if you consume it until you are better and drinks TONS of liquid to help thin the mucus and get the crap out. I have also use a variety of homeopathics and natural remedies to cure my own bronchitis and my DS's naturally.

• Ive had good luck with these products http://www.nativeremedies.com/ailment/acute-bronchitis-and-chronic-bronchitis-info.html

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