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Useless, But Prescribed...

Researchers writing in the latest issue of New England Journal of Medicine suggested that antibiotics are useless in the treatment against bronchitis.

Experts who analyzed previously published studies urge doctors to stop recommending antibiotics to patients suffering from bronchitis, as they have little or no effect.

"There is a long history of patients receiving antibiotics for acute bronchitis and they have come to expect receiving a prescription for treatment. Physicians can help patients by not prescribing them antibiotics for acute bronchitis - saving them from potential side effects and unnecessary costs. Physicians should inform their patients that there are no data in the literature to support the use of antibiotics for this condition," stated Richard Wenzel, professor at the Virginia Commonwealth University.

The research revealed that most people suffering from bronchitis are exposed to unnecessary side-effects like diarrhea, headaches, abdominal pains or rashes due to doctors' decision of prescribing antibiotics.

Although there is no scientific evidence to prove that antibiotics help, 70 to 80 percents of patients suffering from bronchitis are prescribed antibiotics by doctors. Moreover, all patients receive futile cough medications.

Bronchitis is a viral respiratory infection that affects 5 percent of American citizens, every year. Smoking or long time exposure to second-hand smoke is the major cause responsible for the illness. Bronchitis is associated with difficulties in breathing, fever, wheezing and fatigue.