If i have chronic bronchitis, should i take antibiotics every time it flares up?

No: Many times bronchitis has a viral etiology. In fact in the first 5-7 days of illness you are much more likely to have a viral infection than a bacterial infection. I encourage my patients to try and wait for a week before starting antibiotics. However, you still may need medications to control symptoms such as nasal drainage and cough.

Not always: Would only recommend antibiotics if you develop fevers, shaking chills, or colored (green or beige) or bloody sputum. If blood sputum, would also recommend a chest x-ray.

The cause of your chronic bronchitis, including an immune work up is recommended. Other tests include a TB and CF sweat test Antibiotics are used for bacterial infections with clinical worsening Cultures may be obtained to guide treatment.