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Antibiotics are typically used for acute bronchitis, but recent work has questioned their benefit. In contrast, beta-agonist therapy delivered by metered dose inhaler (MDI) has shown promise in reducing bronchitis symptoms. This double-blind trial at two community-based family practice centers in Kentucky and Wisconsin tested both therapies.
Forty-six patients presenting with a productive cough of less than 30 days' duration were randomized to receive erythromycin or placebo plus an MDI delivering either albuterol or placebo, thus creating four study groups. Patients with pneumonia, asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were excluded. Overall, patients using albuterol were significantly less likely than those using placebo to be c…