Ask The Doctor

Dear Ask The Doctor: I HAVE/HAD AN UPPER RESPIRATORY INFECTION FOR THE PAST FEW DAYS, AND LAST NIGHT MY THROAT BECAME VERY SORE. I WENT TO THE CLINIC TODAY AND THE PA SAID I HAD BRONCHITIS, SHE HEARD SOME WHEEZING, AND GAVE ME AN ANTIBIOTIC FOR TEN DAYS. I HAVE HAD BRONCHITIS BEFORE, AND I COUGHED UP DISCOLORED SUBSTANCE, WHICH I HAVE NOT BEEN DOING THIS TIME AROUND. I AM AFRAID I HAVE BEEN OVERDIAGNOSED, THAT IF I DO HAVE BRONCHITIS, IT IS ONLY VIRAL THIS TIME. HOW CAN I GET A SECOND OPINION? IF I TAKE THE ANTIBIOTICS, WILL IT HURT ME IF IT IS JUST VIRAL THIS TIME?

Dear RUTH: Hello, I realize your concern about viral Bronchitis possibility. Certainly the most common entity causing Bronchitis is viral and in the majority of cases antibiotics are not used; in people who smoke or had a previous upper respiratory infection a possibility of Bacterial origin might be increased.

I agree with you that one difference is sputum production which is increased and thick in bacterial Bronchitis and not too much in Viral Bronchitis. The diagnosis is done by direct examination, you could ask for a second opinion to rule out bacterial infection and if you decide to take the antibiotics and the infection was viral, nothing would happen if you complete the treatment but it might create some resistance to the antibiotic especially if you don’t finish the 10 days of treatment. In the meantime you could use over the counter Antiinflamatories, if you develop sputum you could also use expectorants, don’t forget to drink plenty of fluids. Usually the symptoms last for a couple of weeks. I wish you a prompt recovery.