Antibiotics did not improve the overall clinical condition of people with acute bronchitis, or the number of people with improvement at physician follow-up. Antibiotics did improve abnormal lung examination at follow‑up, but the committee agreed this was not an important patient-orientated outcome for people with acute bronchitis, and this outcome was heavily influenced by 1 study of cefuroxime. Paul IM, Yoder KE, Crowell KR, et al. Effect of dextromethorphan, diphenhydramine, and placebo on nocturnal cough and sleep quality for coughing children and their parents. Pediatrics. 2004;114(1):e85-e90. Chuchalin AG, Berman B, Lehmacher W. Treatment of acute bronchitis in adults with a pelargonium sidoides preparation (EPs 7630): a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Explore (NY). 2005;1(6):437-445.

There was no significant difference in gastrointestinal side effects with honey compared with placebo or dextromethorphan (very low to low quality evidence). There were also no significant differences in mild adverse effects (for example, nervousness, insomnia, hyperactivity and drowsiness) compared with dextromethorphan (very low quality evidence). No significant difference in sleepiness was found when honey was compared with diphenhydramine (very low quality evidence). At the same time, individuals who it did not cure within a week still experienced benefits from its supplementation. In addition, it helps treat symptoms linked to bronchitis, which include fever, headache, cough, sputum in the lungs, fatigue, rhonchi, nasal dripping and chest pain while coughing. 2. Antibacterial Properties Antibiotics significantly increased the overall number of adverse effects compared with placebo or no active treatment in people with acute bronchitis (12 RCTs, n=3,496, 22.6% versus 18.7%, NNH 25 [range 15 to 84]; low quality evidence). The most commonly reported adverse effects included gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea. There were no significant differences in adverse effects for subgroups of different antibiotics (erythromycin, amoxicillin or co-amoxiclav, or doxycycline) versus placebo or no active treatment (very low to low quality evidence). Children aged 6-12 years should take 5ml of the syrup three times a day (morning, midday, evening). Corticosteroids have well-recognised systemic (mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid) effects, including a range of psychological or behavioural effects (particularly in children) and the committee agreed that, weighing up the potential risks and benefits, oral or inhaled corticosteroids should not be offered for people (adults or children) with an acute cough (including acute bronchitis).In rare cases (≥ 1/10,000 to ≤ 1/1,000) mild bleeding from the gums or nose may occur. Furthermore, hypersensitivity reactions (e.g. exanthema, urticaria, pruritus of skin and mucous membranes) have been described in rare cases. Such reactions may occur after the first intake of the product. There were no significant differences between mucolytics and placebo for the outcomes of productive cough and expectoration at end of treatment (at 7 days), pulmonary function at day 3, febrile state at 6 days, dyspnoea at 6 to 7 days, bad general condition after 6 to 7 days, and appetite trouble (not defined) at the end of treatment (5 to 9 days) in children with acute upper and lower respiratory tract infection (very low quality evidence). There was also no significant difference for the outcome of abnormal chest signs (for example wheezing or rattling) after 5 days, but there was a significant difference for this outcome at the end of treatment (28 days; 2% versus 16%; very low quality evidence).

Cefuroxime is a broad-spectrum antibiotic (a second generation cephalosporin). The committee discussed that, if an antibiotic is needed to treat an infection that is not life-threatening, a narrow-spectrum antibiotic should generally be first choice. Indiscriminate use of broad-spectrum antibiotics creates a selective advantage for bacteria resistant even to these 'last-line' broad-spectrum agents, and also kills normal commensal flora leaving people susceptible to antibiotic-resistant harmful bacteria such as Clostridium difficile. A. Its syrup is non-drowsy and has been used to treat several respiratory infections; cough and cold are the most common ones. It does not make you sleepy or drowsy. Q. How do you grow pelargonium sidoides?The safety of this plant remedy is still not thoroughly tested. Generally, known side effects of Pelargonium sidoides include heartburn, nausea, worsening respiratory symptoms and stomach upset. Drug Interaction A. Pelargonium sidoides are best grown under full sun. The soils should be preferably neutral, moderately fertile, and well-drained. In hot climates, they require shades during the afternoon. Once established, they can tolerate droughts well. Irrigate them daily for better springs throughout summer. Q. What is Pelargonium sidoides extract?