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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Why Should Antibiotics Be Taken For Bronchitis?

Everywhere I look it says that bronchitis or Upper Respiratory Tract infection is MOSTLY viral. Also, that it is caused by pollution and few other factors. If those statements are correct why is it that I have to take antibiotics to TREAT this condition. I also have URTI caused asthma every time I have infection and use asthma meds (puffer and a disk)?
Thu, 27 Oct 2016
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Diabetologist 's  Response
Bronchitis means inflammation of the bronchial airways. As you have mentioned, it can happen with viruses, pollutant and bacterias also.
Bacteria might not be responsible for bronchitis in many cases. But once bronchitis, that is inflammation starts, there is a high chance that secondary bacterial infections would have occurred or might occur. This is because the inflammation lowers the defence barrier against bacteria. That is the reason antibiotics are helpful in this condition.
Hope the above information clarifies your doubts. Thanks.
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Why Should Antibiotics Be Taken For Bronchitis?

Bronchitis means inflammation of the bronchial airways. As you have mentioned, it can happen with viruses, pollutant and bacterias also. Bacteria might not be responsible for bronchitis in many cases. But once bronchitis, that is inflammation starts, there is a high chance that secondary bacterial infections would have occurred or might occur. This is because the inflammation lowers the defence barrier against bacteria. That is the reason antibiotics are helpful in this condition. Hope the above information clarifies your doubts. Thanks.