Coughs and Colds

Most people with respiratory symptoms who don't have any of the several serious symptoms you just reviewed have a viral infection. However, people who regularly expose their airways to cigarette smoke can encourage the growth of bacteria in their airways. Antibiotics with or without anti-inflammatory treatment may be a useful treatment for your symptoms if you are a chronic smoker who has recurring bronchitis.

Are you a smoker with a history of recurring bronchitis infections? Yes No

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Online Medical Reviewer: McDonald, Thad, MD Date Last Reviewed: 5/4/2006 Date Last Modified: 3/30/2006 Source: from Harvard Health Decision Guides, Harvard Health Publications, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell.

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