Consequences of unnecessary antibiotic therapy for bronchitis
Antibiotic therapy that is not effective for viral infections can have unpleasant consequences. Antibiotics also kill the beneficial bacteria in the body. Since the intestine in particular is home to many of these useful bacteria, the intestinal flora is often severely disturbed by antibiotics.
Some patients subsequently develop intestinal infections such as pseudomembranous colitis with pathogenic bacteria (e.g. Clostridium difficile) or fungal infections in the genital/anal area. A further problem is the development of resistance. Due to unnecessary antibiotic therapies, bacteria develop defence mechanisms against antibiotics and can become resistant to this drug in follow-up therapy.
If the patient really needs an antibiotic at a later stage, it is possible that it will no longer be effective. This is a major problem. It is therefore essential to avoid unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions in medical practice.
Causes of bronchitis
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the larger airways of the lungs – the bronchi. It is usually caused by a viral infection, which leads to viral bronchitis. It usually descends from the upper airways into the lower airways.
Therefore, most patients already suffer from a common respiratory tract infection before the development of bronchitis. Bacteria are also possible as a trigger for bronchitis, but are much less common than viruses. Only about every tenth bronchitis is caused by bacteria.
It is possible, however, that bacterial colonisation is added to a previously purely viral bronchitis. This phenomenon is known as superinfection. Because the mucous membrane of the bronchial tubes is attacked by the viruses, it becomes more permeable and can then additionally serve as an entry portal for bacteria. Bronchitis also occurs more easily if the airways have already been damaged by an underlying disease, for example in the context of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchial asthma, cystic fibrosis or other respiratory diseases. Furthermore, bronchitis can be promoted by pollutants in the air, very cold or dry, warm air and irritant gases.
Duration of bronchitis
Bronchitis usually heals on its own within a few weeks. An acute course usually shows a clear improvement within two weeks, but the cough can also last for a longer period of time. Since most bronchitis is caused by viral infections, antibiotics are not recommended.
It does not shorten the course of the disease. If, however, an antibiotic is used for bacterial bronchitis or serious underlying diseases of the patient, it is usually administered over five to seven or seven to ten days, depending on the selected preparation. – Duration of bronchitis
- The chronic bronchitis
How long have you been contagious with bronchitis?
A viral bronchitis is usually contagious as long as the patient coughs. By coughing, pathogens are expelled with the air we breathe and spread throughout the room. Since antibiotics do not help against viruses, they do not reduce the risk of infection in viral bronchitis.
The best way to avoid infection is therefore to avoid close contact with sick people and to wash your hands regularly during the cold season. Many people catch infections through their hands when they touch previously contaminated surfaces and then touch their face. Many infections can therefore be prevented by simple hygiene measures.
However, it is still possible to become infected at any time through a droplet infection. If the cough subsides, fewer pathogens are also emitted. This considerably reduces the risk of infecting other people.
