New research suggests that antibiotics are of little benefit to those with bronchitis, since most cases of bronchitis are caused by a virus – against which antibiotics are useless.
Doctors rarely test to see whether the bronchitis was caused by a bacterial infection or a virus, primarily because no good tests are available. Rather than ask your GP for antibiotics, consider an effective cough syrup, a bronchodilator and vitamin C supplementation.
If you smoke, try to stop as smoking contributes to the inflammation that makes bronchitis so uncomfortable.
Take a look at our HIV/Aids Centre for more information on managing your condition.