I have had bronchitis for over three weeks now. i still have a wet cough especially in the mornings. i was wondering, do i need to go back to the doctor for antibiotics or is it normal for bronchitis to last this long?

Bronchitis involves a destruction of some lung tissue and the normal clearance method for mucus debris. Most is triggered by a virus & antibiotics do nothing other than give you something to do. In some instances bacteria are there but one round of the proper med is enough. It often takes 3=4 weeks for the cough/sputum to subside. If you have mild asthma it can take longer.

The symptoms are prolonged and your cough may be evaluated as a chronic cough. Among possible causes, infection, asthma, GERD and post nasal drip/sinusitis may be considered. Watch for shortness of breath, allergic reactions and avoid smoke and common allergens. Most bronchitic infections may be due to viral causes and do not respond to antibiotics.

In addition to viral causes, allergies & asthma may cause prolonged cough. Please follow up with your doctor to be sure you don’t need different or additional treatment.