Antibiotics
ANTIBIOTICS AND THEIR USE IN EVERYDAY CONDITIONS
SEPTEMBER 1998 |
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This month’s topic is ‘antibiotics and their use in everyday conditions’. The government has just issued some guidlines to GPs about the use of antibiotics – this is to encourage GPs and their patients to use antibiotics more judiciously. I published an item on this very subject in the newsletter of December 1997. If you have any questions or comments about this topic please feel free to ask a question. I shall attempt to answer these questions in next month’s newsletter which will be published in electronic format and in the traditional manner.
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Most infections get better without antibiotics
In cases where patients will get better without antibiotics, it makes sense for your doctor not to prescribe them. Your body’s defence system can protect against infection without the need for antibiotics. |
Listen to your doctor.
Your doctor will be able to recognise whether you have an infection that needs antibiotics, so you should not always expect to be given a prescription. Doctors need to prescribe antibiotics with care. This is because inappropriate use of antibiotics can be dangerous for individual patients and for the whole population.Overuse of antibiotics can also cause resistance and result in them not working in the future. This is a very worrying trend especially for patients with serious life-threatening infections
Harmful side-effects.
Potential side-effects are another reason why doctors are cautious about prescribing antibiotics. Some antibiotic treatment can cause side-effect such as stomach upset and th rush. For women on the pill, antibiotics can reduce contraceptive protection.
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ANTIBIOTICS
not a miracle cure |
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Antibiotic facts.
-Antibiotics have no effect on viral infections ( e .g. colds, flu and most sore throats} Viral infections are much more common than bacterial infections.
-Inappropriate use of antibiotics can encourage the development of resistant bacteria. This could mean that the antibiotic may not work when you really need it
-Some antibiotics have harmful side-effects such as diarrhoea and allergic reactions.
-Antibiotics do not just attack the infection they are prescribed for – they can also kill useful bacteria which normally protect you against other infections such as thrush.
-There are effective alternative remedies for managing the symptons of many infections.If you are prescribed antibiotics ensure you take the medication according to instructions.
- Although you may begin to feel better, you must take the full course of antibiotics to prevent your illness coming back.
- Not taking the full course of antibiotics can lead to future antibiotic resistance.
If you have an infection such as a cold, flu or sore-throat.
- Take paracetamol according to the instructions to help reduce fever and relieve aches and pains.
-Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
-Ask your pharmacist (chemist) for advice. Many infections can be managed effectively with over-the-counter medications. The pharmacist will refer you to you doctor or practice nurse if they think it is necessary.
When to contact your GP.
Call your GP’s surgery for advice if, after taking over-the-counter medications as directed, you or your child are experiencing any of the following:
-Symptoms which are severe or unusually prolonged.
- Extreme shortness of breath.
-Coughing up of blood or large amounts of yellow or green phlegm. |
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