If the augmentin doesn't do it, there are other antibiotics to try with H. Influenza. The current strains in Minnesota have generally been susceptible to augmentin, so most doc try it first. If you are not improving after 72 hours on the meds, call the doctor back.

A culture is usually done on sputum to identify the pathogen and the sensitivity is done on same specimen to see which antibiotic will kill the organism.

The bronchiectasis can cause a cough because we have a harder time getting the sputum out and the body keeps trying. It's why we do airway clearance. The H. flu can certainly make coughing worse and once treated makes most people better. As Sue said, if you don't improve, call doc so antibiotics can be adjusted. Good luck to you.