A child who is sick may or may not need antibiotics. Antibiotics can only help when the sickness is caused by a bacterial infection. For viral infections, however, antibiotics do not help as they cannot kill viruses. Taking them when they're not needed can cause side effects and antibiotic resistance, making it difficult for them to work when they are actually needed. If your child has a cold, flu, RSV, or COVID, they should not use antibiotics as they have contracted a virus. If your child has strep throat, urinary tract infection, or an ear infection caused by bacteria, antibiotics can be used to treat these illnesses (although many ear infections can go away on their own and the pain can be treated by taking acetaminophen and ibuprofen).
Before your child takes antibiotics for any type of bacterial infection, it's important that you first speak with your pediatrician and that you administer the antibiotic properly. If your pediatrician deems it necessary to use antibiotics, they will give your child a prescription. Carefully follow the directions on the medication and as instructed by your pediatrician or pharmacist. Antibiotics can come in many different forms such as tablets, capsules, liquids, and chewable pills. Antibiotics that are used externally can come as ointments and liquid drops. Narrow-spectrum antibiotics are better to use than broad-spectrum, as broad-spectrum antibiotics kill many types of bacteria, including the good ones. Narrow-spectrum antibiotics kill only the type of bacteria that is causing the illness.
Make sure that your child takes their antibiotics during the entire period they have been prescribed for, even if your child feels better or you notice their symptoms have improved. If the doctor prescribed the medication for 7 days, for example, your child should take the antibiotics until they have completed the 7-day period. Stopping the antibiotics early can allow some of the bacteria to remain in your child's system and the symptoms may come back.
Even though antibiotics can be powerful in treating bacterial infections, it's important to be aware that there are possible side effects. Antibiotics can cause stomach discomfort, nausea, diarrhea, allergic reactions, or breathing difficulties. If you notice signs of allergic reaction in your child after taking an antibiotic (hives or other rashes, breathing difficulties, etc.), give Benadryl and call your pediatrician right away. In some cases, children may be prescribed antibiotics for illness prevention. For example, if your child keeps getting urinary tract infections, antibiotics can be used to prevent them from occurring again. Or if your child was bitten by an animal, antibiotics are sometimes prescribed to prevent an infection.
If you have antibiotics in the house, always keep them locked up and secured away from children to prevent them from accidentally using or swallowing the medications. Make sure that visitors and babysitters do the same. If you have leftover medication, return them to the hospital or pharmacy. Do not save them for future use. Antibiotics should only be used when prescribed and for the duration that your pediatrician has prescribed them for.
If your child does not feel better after antibiotics or if the symptoms haven't gone away, call your pediatrician. For any questions or concerns about your child's illness, using antibiotics, or whether or not your child needs one, call our office.
Comentários