Skip the Prescription for a Temporary Cough

If you’re diagnosed with acute bronchitis, time may be the best medicine. Research shows the condition probably won’t get better any faster with antibiotics—because most cases are caused by viruses. Even though antibiotics don’t help, there are steps you can take:

• Rest.
• Drink water and other noncaffeinated fluids.
• Call your doctor if your cough doesn’t get any better after two weeks.