title: Antibiotics for acute bronchitis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Are antibiotics associated with improved outcomes in patients with acute bronchitis?
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors.affiliation: HRB Centre for Primary Care Research, Department of General Practice, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Medical School, Dublin.
authors.forename: Susan M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.affiliation: Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Dublin Center, Dublin, California.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Smucny
authors.affiliation: HRB Centre for Primary Care Research, Department of General Practice, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Medical School, Dublin.
authors.forename: Tom
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Fahey
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001991:Bronchitis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents