Why you should only use antibiotics if truly necessary

Let’s be honest: most parents feel better when their sick child is prescribed an antibiotic. There’s just something so reassuring about having a prescription. It’s hard to feel like all you can do is wait and give your child TLC; it feels better to do something. Even when the doctor says that your child has a virus, and explains that antibiotics treat bacteria, not viruses, it’s common for parents to think: but what if there is even a little chance that there is a bacterial infection along with — or instead of — the virus? It can’t hurt to be safe, right? But that’s the thing: it can hurt. Here are four ways that antibiotics can cause real problems. Allergies Allergies to antibiotics are common — and can develop in people who haven’t had them before. While most allergic reactions aren’t life-threatening, they can be. Side effects Side-effects are much more common than allergies. Lots of children get stomachaches, vomiting, diarrhea or all three. Babies often get diaper rashes from yeast when the antibiotics kill off the bacteria in the intestine that usually keep the yeast population in check. These side effects are completely worth it if you need to take the antibiotic, but not so worth it when you don’t, obviously. Clostridium difficile Speaking of killing off useful bacteria…the intestine is full of bacteria that help us stay healthy in all sorts of different ways. There are lots of different bacteria doing lots of different jobs—and as with yea...
Source: Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Ask the Expert Health & Wellness antibiotics Claire McCarthy MD Source Type: news