Is it harmful to take antibiotics when not needed ??

 INappropriate use            of antibiotics..!!

ANTIBIOTICS are considered the keystones of modern medicine .. When penicillin & other antibiotics were first introduced, they’ve perceived as WONDER DRUGS as they worked quickly & effectively with relatively few side effects, but their MISUSE or OVERUSE continues to generate unwanted side effects.

Common situations in which we are using antibiotics unnecessarily include :----

  ·         COMMON COLD … Antibiotics have no effect on viral infections like COMMON COLD & COMMON COUGH.

·          SORE THROAT  …… Most sore throats are usually SELF RESOLVING and antibiotics are ineffective against them. 

·         URINARY INFECTION ……. Older persons often have bacterial infection in urinary tract, and antibiotics should not be given in response.

·         BRONCHITIS …… Most cases (approx. 90%) of bronchitis are viral & use of antibiotics is superfluous here & can put the patient at risk.

·    SOME EAR INFECTIONS …. When children with ear tubes get ear infection, they should have ear drops in response rather than oral antibiotics as they are more likely to have unwanted side effects.

Even swimmer’s ear should be treated with ear drops not oral antibiotics.

·      SURGICAL WOUNDS …. Use of antibiotics to treat surgical wounds doesn’t reduce infection as compared to non- antibiotic ointment.

·    SOME SINUS INFECTIONS …. Most sinus infections are resistant towards antibiotics and can be relieved by nasal drops or inhalers rather than oral pills. 

 Antibiotics help teach good bacteria to go bad. Commonly they  are known to cause diarrhea. Even a short course may cause permanent  changes to the friendly bacteria present in the gut….                                                           

Next time before antibiotic intake .. think for a while!!