Does my child need antibiotics?

I have come across a lot of parents who are very anxious about giving (or not giving) antibiotics to their children. Therefore, I thought I should definitely write about antibiotics in this blog. There are a lot of myths associated with antibiotics.

What are antibiotics?
Antibiotics are the medicines that are used to treat infections caused by bacteria (but not viruses). Antibiotics work by killing or inhibiting the spread of bacteria. Since the discovery of antibiotics in 1930s, many people have survived dreadful infections which they would not have otherwise.

Are antibiotics harmful to our body?
No. Immune system in our body protects us from infections. But, some times it needs a little extra help in which case antibiotics are helpful. They are not harmful to body but, help us fight the bacteria which cause infection.

Does my child need antibiotics whenever he is unwell?
No. Common reasons for kids to be unwell include colds and coughs, loose stools, fever, earache etc. Most of the times these are caused by viruses and do not obviate the need for antibiotics. Only when the symptoms are caused by bacteria they need antibiotics.

How do I know whether my child has bacterial or viral infection?
Most of the times doctors can decide whether it is bacterial or viral infection based on the severity and specific symptoms. But, sometimes it is not possible to differentiate between the two. Bacterial infections usually tend to be more severe. Viral infections are much more common. Your doctor should be able to decide which category your child falls into.

Mis-use of antibiotics:
Overuse and inappropriate use of antibiotics may lead to antibiotic resistance (will be explained in subsequent posts) and the emergence of ‘Super bugs’. In that case antibiotics may not work next time you take it.

Take home message:

1. When your child is prescribed an antibiotic, please complete the full course.
2. Do not use some one else’s antibiotics.
3. Do not buy antibiotics for children with out consulting your doctor.
4. Do not hesitate to give antibiotics to your child when prescribed (your child may be suffering from a potentially serious illness).
5. If your child is not prescribed antibiotics do not panic. He/she may just have a viral illness which is self limiting.
6. You do not need antibiotics for common cold.