This country sees an overuse of antibiotics. When are antibiotics deemed necessary?
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 Read the entire post…