Table 3. Methods for Managing Patient Expectations for Medication to Treat Acute Bronchitis Symptoms
Define the diagnosis as a “chest cold” or “viral upper respiratory infection”
Set realistic expectations for symptom duration (about three weeks)
Explain that antibiotics do not significantly reduce the duration of symptoms, and that they may cause adverse effects and lead to antibiotic resistance
Explain that many patients would need to be treated with antibiotics to prevent one case of pneumonia
Consider delayed “pocket” prescription or “wait-and-see” prescription*
Consider pelargonium to relieve cough in adults