Does your child really needs antibiotics

Whenever our kids get sick we want them to feel better as fast as possible. When u bring your child to the doctor for illnesses like a cough, cold, sore throats, fever, u automatically expect the doctor to prescribe for antibiotics. Many parents insist on doctors to give antibiotics.  But your doctor could be doing you and your child a favor by not reaching for the prescription pad.

First, let's understand what are antibiotics –

Antibiotics are medicines used to treat infections and they target bacteria, not viruses.

No doubt antibiotics are medical marvels, since the mid-1900s, they’ve prevented millions of deaths from pneumonia, tuberculosis and a host of other unpleasant infectious diseases. However, scientists are realizing, this incredible success has come at a price.

Why should I worry About antibiotic resistance -

Overprescribing antibiotics have resulted in the development of resistant bacteria, that don't respond to antibiotics that may have worked in the past. Potentially dangerous bacteria that are immune to antibiotics could become “superbugs” that have no cure. Plus, whenever kids take antibiotics they run the risk of side-effects, such as stomach upset and diarrhea or even an allergic reaction.

Treating these resistant bacteria requires higher doses of medicine or stronger antibiotics. Because of antibiotic overuse, certain bacteria have become resistant to even the most powerful antibiotics available today.

Antibiotic resistance is a widespread problem

Apart from this, the other problem associated with the overuse of antibiotics is that they kill many different bacteria ’s, even the good ones that help keep the body healthy.

When Antibiotics Arent necessary

As stated earlier Antibiotics kill bacteria only — not viruses, which are the villain behind many childhood ailments.

Some common questions regarding the use of antibiotics

My child has a really bad Cold, Flu. Why the doctor did not prescribe an antibiotic?

A cold is a viral illness that will not respond to antibiotics. In general, the most common cold symptoms—such as a runny nose, cough, and congestion—are mild and your child will get better without using any medicines.  U can try home remedies to treat the same

Is a nose draining yellow or green mucus a sign of a bacterial infection?

Sinus infection. Sinusitis that causes stuffiness, runny nose and facial pain is almost always caused by a virus. During a common cold, it is normal for mucus from the nose to get thick and to change from clear to yellow or green. Unless symptoms are severe and include a fever, it’s best to let the illness run its course. Even when bacteria are the cause, sinus infections usually clear up without treatment in about a week

Aren't antibiotics used to treat all sore throats?

Sore throat - A sore throat is often the first sign of a cold virus infection, which does not require antibiotics. But about one in four sore throats in kids is caused by strep throat, a bacterial infection that does require antibiotics. So how can you tell the difference? If your child has strep throat, that sore throat will usually be accompanied by:

Fever

Swollen tonsils

Tiny, red spots on the roof of the mouth

Swollen lymph nodes

Are antibiotics required for a Urinary tract infection (UTI)? 

An uncomplicated UTI usually resolves within a few days without treatment.

Do antibiotics treat Ear infection –

Ear infections have traditionally been treated routinely in this country with antibiotics. Now we realize that about 80 percent will get better without treatment in seven to 14 days. If the child is not sick or in pain, many doctors now recommend waiting to see if the infection clears up by itself.

When Does a Child Need Antibiotics?

 If your child is diagnosed with a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be just the ticket. Certain ailments likely to warrant a course of antibiotics, including:

• Strep throat
• Impetigo
• Bacterial skin infections
• Bacterial pneumonia
• Meningitis.
• bladder infections

How can I use antibiotics safely

1. Antibiotics can only treat a bacterial infection if taken for the full amount of time prescribed by the doctor Talk to your pharmacist if you're unsure about how to give your child the right dose. The medicines take time to work, too, so don't expect your child to feel better after taking the first dose. It may take a child 1 to 2 days to feel better.

2. Similarly, don't let your child take antibiotics longer than prescribed.

3. And most important, never use antibiotics that have been lying around your home. And never give your child antibiotics that were prescribed for another family member or adult. Saving antibiotics "for the next time" is a bad idea, too. Any remaining antibiotics should be thrown out as soon as your child has taken the full course of medicine as prescribed.

4. Read and follow dosage instructions.

5. Be aware that antibiotics may interact with other medications. Some may also cause sensitivity to sunlight.

6. Note storage instructions. Some have to be kept in the fridge, especially liquid suspensions once they are reconstituted.

Fortunately, some doctors have cut back on their use of antibiotics and now prescribe them only when strictly necessary. However, as a parent, you still need to be watchful when antibiotics are prescribed to your children. We can use natural antibiotics and superfoods to increase children immunity.