Antibiotics can save a life when used as a remedy for dangerous bacterial infections, but when they are taken to treat a minor sore throat or an infected ear, the possible advantages might not be worth taking a chance. The positives of antibiotic treatment are negligible in the majority of instances because these infections are brought about by viruses. The potential for allergic reactions, digestive problems and liver toxicity are possible side effects of antibiotics. Some research actually advises that taking antibiotics frequently might make the chance of getting specific kinds of cancer greater, mainly breast cancer. This doesn’t even get into the issue of resistant antibiotics. Even more troublesome is that a few physicians will prescribe an antibiotic for a viral condition only to ease the concern of the patient.

An important question is then raised. In what circumstances are antibiotics needed? Without a doubt, antibiotics are extremely helpful when an infection is brought about by bacteria instead of a virus. These are some of the possible situations where you will not need to take antibiotics.

The Common Cold or The Sniffles

Some individuals will visit their physician, asking for an antibiotic, when the initial sign of an illness presents itself. An antibiotic will not cure or even lessen the duration of a cold, but it will kill off so-called “friendly” intestinal bacteria which aid in warding off infections. Nasty diarrhea is a possibility too. Alas, the common cold has no cure. Although it has never been proven, it is preferable to use Echinacea, a natural treatment.

Most Sore Throats

Don’t panic and think that every sore throat you get is Strep. The majority of sore throats are brought about by a virus and, quite frankly, have to run their course. If you have questions, your physician can perform a fast strep test in the office to reveal if an antibiotic is required. Unless you have a documented case of Strep Throat, it is better for you to abstain from ingesting antibiotics.

The Flu

It would be great if antibiotics could cure this horrible illness that comes around year over year. Alas, influenza is brought about by three strains of the virus – Influenza A, B and C. Anti-viral drugs exist that can reduce the course of the flu if ingested in the initial 48 hours, but antibiotics will not do any good except bring about side effects.

Cough

There are some coughs that need to be treated with antibiotics, commonly where a chest x-ray shows that someone has pneumonia, or in the case of chronic bronchitis, or if someone has bronchitis from smoking. A cough is normally brought about by a virus, which does not require an antibiotic.

Sinus Infections

Despite research verifying that antibiotics have moderate benefits for the treatment of sinus infections, the benefits must be compared to possible risks. The majority of situations regarding sinus infections resolve themselves without treatment within a week or two. If you have very bad symptoms, your doctor might have a reason to give you an antibiotic, but most sinus infections commonly require treatment only for the symptoms.

Ear Infections

An infected ear, as is the case with sinus infections, generally improve on their own with antibiotic treatment, and tests reveal that it makes little difference as far as faster healing. Research results found in the Journal of Pediatrics indicate that antibiotics didn’t do anything more than not having any treatment when an ear was infected and didn’t make a difference in satisfying the patient. Why would we expose ourselves to a risk of side effects if the outcome remains the same?

Remember that these are general guidelines and instances could occur where these conditions will require antibiotics. It is important to consult your physician for his or her opinion on these issues.

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