Should You Take Antibiotics To Treat Bronchitis?

KYW Medical Reports Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Bronchitis is an infection in the tubes that bring air to the lungs. When these tubes become infected, mucus forms inside of them, which can make it hard to breathe.

Many people go to the doctor and expect antibiotics to treat the bronchitis, but these medications are not necessary in the vast majority of cases because acute bronchitis is most often caused by viruses. In many cases, the same viruses that cause colds and the flu cause bronchitis. It is worth mentioning, that rarely, bronchitis may also be caused by a bacteria or fungus.

Many of the symptoms of bronchitis are the same as those of the common cold. In fact, some people refer to bronchitis as a chest cold. The main symptom of bronchitis is a cough that often brings up clear, yellow or green mucus. Other symptoms can include body aches, chest congestion, chills and low grade fever.