Antibiotics for Acute Bronchitis

TitleAntibiotics for Acute Bronchitis
Publication TypePublished Journal Article
2014
AuthorsSmith SM, Smucny J, Fahey T
JournalJAMA
Volume312
Issue24
Start Page2678
Pagination2678-9
Date Published12/2014
Type of ArticlePublished Article Journal
Keywordsadverse effects, clinical improvement, Cough-related outcomes
Abstract

CLINICAL QUESTION:
Are antibiotics associated with improved outcomes in patients with acute bronchitis?
BOTTOM LINE:
Prescribing antibiotics for acute bronchitis was associated with reduced overall and nighttime cough and with an approximately half-day reduction in duration of cough, in days feeling ill, and in days with impaired activities. However, at follow-up, there were no significant differences in patients receiving antibiotics compared with those receiving placebo in overall clinical improvements or limitations in work or other activities. There was a significant increase in adverse effects in the antibiotic group, particularly gastrointestinal symptoms.

URLhttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25536260
DOI10.1001/jama.2014.12839