Antibiotics are strong medicines. Everyday they are used to treat people whose illnesses would have resulted in death not so many years ago. Antibiotics are not used to treat every infection. Their improper use can be harmful.

Understanding why doctors treat some infections with antibiotics and not others can prevent a frustrating visit to the doctor. Dont come to expect an antibiotic every time you catch a cold. You may have made the appointment to "get an antibiotic" and be unhappy when the doctor doesnt prescribe one.

Its also important to understand why you should not take antibiotics that were "left over from the last time". Knowing when to take antibiotics and when to avoid them can help keep you and your family safe.

Why Antibiotics Dont Cure Every Infection

Test Your Knowledge About Antibiotics 1.Which of the following is an antibiotic? a. Ibuprofen b. Amoxicillin c. Aspirin d. Acetaminophen 2. Which of the following is a true statement? a. Bacteria are killed by antibiotics. b. Viruses are killed by antibiotics. c. Bacteria and viruses are the same thing. d. Antibiotics cure almost all infections. 3. Which of the following illnesses are cured by antibiotics? a. Colds b. Flu c. Bronchitis d. Strep throat Answers: 1. b Amoxicillin is a commonly prescribed antibiotic. 2. a Bacteria are killed by antibiotics; viruses are not. 3. d Strep throat is caused by bacteria and can be cured by antibiotics. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

There are two different kinds of germs that cause most infections: bacteria and viruses. Antibiotics are only effective if bacteria cause the infection. They have no effect at all against infections caused by viruses, and its a virus that causes most colds, coughs, sore throats, and bronchitis.

When To Take Antibiotics

Antibiotics are used to treat infections caused by bacteria. For example, when you have a sore throat, you may have a common throat infection called strep throat. Its caused by bacteria and requires treatment with antibiotics.

However to determine if your sore throat is caused by a virus or bacteria, a throat swab and a lab test are usually needed. If you do have strep throat, then an antibiotic is indicated.

There are times when you have cold and your doctor doesnt prescribe an antibiotic because he or she knows that its usually caused by a virus. For example, if you have a sinus infection with a runny nose, or yellow or green mucus coming from your nose you may not need an antibiotic, unless the infection is severe or lasts more than two weeks.

Then an antibiotic may be indicated. However, ear infections probably represent the exception. Since there is no way to take a culture from the ear without puncturing the eardrum, antibiotics are used for most, but not all, ear infections.

When To Avoid Antibiotics

For most infections caused by a virus, the treatment is symptomatic. This means treating your symptoms and keeping you comfortable while the illness runs its course. This can sometimes take up to two to three weeks.

This means time lost from work and school as well as the discomfort of being sick, so its understandable that we want something to make us well as quickly as possible.

If you have a lung condition such as asthma or emphysema, your doctor may decide to try treatment with an antibiotic. If you do not seem to be getting better or if your illness gets worse after two weeks, call your doctor.

If the illness lasts longer than the usual time, you may have developed a second infection caused by bacteria. Doctors are frequently asked for an antibiotic to prevent infection. Unfortunately, prescribing antibiotics in advance to prevent this possibility doesnt work.

A virus causes the flu, and in a very few instances, an antiviral drug may be helpful in limiting the course of illness. For example some antiviral drugs work against a specific type of influenza and they can have unpleasant side effects.

A better idea is to get a flu shot once a year as prevention. Antiviral drugs can limit shingles and herpes. The AIDS virus is treated with powerful antiviral drugs, some with serious side effects.

Drug Resistance

Improperly prescribed antibiotics waste money and can cause harm both directly and indirectly. Direct harm can come from unpleasant side effects, allergic reactions, and the development of new infections as a result of taking the antibiotics.

Indirect harm occurs when the bacteria, which were once killed or stopped from growing, find ways to mutate so that the antibiotics are no longer effective against them. This is called "drug resistance" because the bacteria are now able to protect themselves from death or injury by an antibiotic. Improper use, or too frequent use of antibiotics helps the bacteria become resistant.

While some resistant bacteria can be treated with more powerful medicines, some remain untreatable. Powerful antibiotics may require a hospital stay and their side effects can be serious and irreversible.

Some bacterial illnesses result in death despite treatment with antibiotics. As common bacteria develop resistance they become fearsome creatures, especially in the very young and the very old, who often are unable to fight off infection naturally.

What To Do

Remember, the next time your doctor doesnt prescribe an antibiotic for your infection he or she may be doing you a favor. Unfortunately, not all doctors are cautious about antibiotic prescribing.

Just about two years ago, in a survey of the way doctors prescribe antibiotics for children, antibiotics were prescribed for 44 percent of children with common colds, 46 percent with upper respiratory infections, and 75 percent with bronchitis, conditions that typically do not benefit from antibiotics.

Why did these doctors fail to heed the medical knowledge? Some were too busy to take a few minutes to explain why the antibiotic was not needed. Others gave in to parental pressure -- often against their better judgment -- rather than risk a dissatisfied customer. Some simply didnt seem to know any better.

If you think your kids are always sick with one thing or another, you could be right. Before age 2, most children will catch eight to ten colds. If a child is in daycare, or if there are older school-age children at home, expect even more infections.

If you work in a health care setting, you may catch more than your share of colds because you are in close contact with a greater number of sick people. Just remember that appropriate use of antibiotics is important in insuring that we have adequate treatment for infections today and in the future.

Do your part. Follow your doctors advice, ask questions if you dont understand, and take tincture of time for those viral illnesses.

 

 

 

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