Coughing That Won’t Stop?
IT COULD BE BRONCHITIS!
Are antibiotics right for me? How can I be sure I don’t need antibiotics? Trust your doctor to do what’s best for you to get well. During your office visit, tell your doctor how you feel and request testing. Your doctor can do a test to confirm if you have bronchitis. Antibiotics should only be prescribed if the test results confirm that the bronchitis is bacterial. If you suspect bronchitis, ask your doctor to do testing.
What is Bronchitis? Bronchitis is a condition that causes the bronchial tubes to become swollen. Bronchitis is a common illness in children and adults. It can be caused by bacteria but is most often caused by a virus. Most people get bronchitis after having a cold or the flu.
When do I get tested? It is important you see a doctor if you or your child has: ¾¾ A fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or above ¾¾ Shortness of breath ¾¾ Shaking chills ¾¾ Chest pain ¾¾ Shoulder pain ¾¾ History of other chronic or serious health conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. If a baby less than three months old has a fever, call a provider right away.
When are antibiotics appropriate? If your doctor prescribes antibiotic medications, ask questions such as: ¾¾ What is the illness? ¾¾ Is the illness caused by bacteria? ¾¾ How long and how often should I take this medication?
Follow your doctor’s directions. If your doctor has determined you have a bacterial form of bronchitis and prescribed antibiotics, it is important that you follow his or her dosage instructions. ¾¾ Take the right amount of medicine at the right times. ¾¾ Take the medicines for as long as you are told. Even if you feel better, make sure you finish your medicine.
When to say “No.” Why should you say no to antibiotics? Antibiotic medications don’t help upper respiratory infections such as: ¾¾ Runny noses ¾¾ Colds or flu ¾¾ Most coughs ¾¾ Sore throats not caused by strep
You don’t need antibiotics for: ¾¾ Most sinus and ear infections and viral bronchitis, but you should always consult your doctor before requesting any antibiotics. ¾¾ Illnesses and symptoms most often caused by viruses. Antibiotics are useless against them. Antibiotic use is only effective for illnesses caused by bacteria.
What’s the Harm? Is it harmful to take antibiotics? Taking antibiotics whenever you get sick can lead to you developing an antibiotic resistance. If you take antibiotics when you don’t need them, they may not work when you need them most. It may take you longer to get well, lead to diseases spreading faster, and cause harm to more people. ¾¾ Don’t ask your health care provider to give you antibiotics for the cold or flu. ¾¾ Never take anyone else’s antibiotics or give your children antibiotics that are not prescribed to them.
What should I do instead of taking antibiotics? Adults and children can do the following to get relief from a cold or flu: ¾¾ Drink fluids and get plenty of rest. ¾¾ Use a clean, cool mist humidifier. ¾¾ Avoid smoking, second-hand smoke and pollution. ¾¾ Try to be patient. Most colds and flu must run their course.
What medicines are right for me? Adults should Take over-the-counter medicines for fevers and aches. Children should Get only over-the-counter medicines that are approved by their health care providers. Parents, you should: ¾¾ Be prepared. Ask for medicine suggestions before your children get sick. ¾¾ Ask your doctor before giving aspirin to children or teens. They could become seriously ill. ¾¾ Give the right dose of medicines. Follow instructions for weight and/or age. ¾¾ Don’t jump to conclusions. Consult your physician and ask for their recommendation in treating your child’s illness.
This information is not intended as a replacement for medical advice. Please speak with your doctor before making changes to your current lifestyle.
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QPI-10 AH (10/15)
Avoidance of Antibiotics w Bronchitis Brochure
