Acute cough bronchitis

CKS

NICE 69

Antibiotic of little benefit if no co-morbidity.

Consider 7 day delayed antibiotic with advice.

Symptom resolution can take 3 weeks.

Consider immediate antibiotics if > 80yr and ONE of: hospitalisation in past year, oral steroids, diabetic, congestive heart failure, serious neurological disorder/stroke OR > 65yrs with 2 of above.

Consider CRP test if antibiotic being considered.

If CRP<20mg/L and symptoms for >24 hours -  no antibiotics, 20-100mg/L delayed, CRP >100mg/L immediate antibiotics.

If treatment failure, send sputum samples for sensitivity testing.

Drug details

First line - self-care and safety netting advice

Amoxicillin

500mg TDS  

5 days

or doxycycline

200mg stat then 100mg OD

5 days