When used to treat serious bacterial infections, antibiotics can be lifesavers; for a simple sore throat or ear infection, the risks may outweigh potential benefits. The upside of treatment with antibiotics is small since in the majority of cases, the infection was caused by a virus. Antibiotics have a number of potential side effects, including allergic reactions, digestive problems and liver toxicity. Some studies suggest that frequent use of antibiotics can contribute to some cancers, including breast cancer. There can be problems associated with the use of antibiotics, one of which is antibiotic resistance. What’s even more disheartening is that some physicians will prescribe an antibiotic when a patient has a virus just to make the patient happy.

This brings up an important issue. When do you need antibiotics? When an infection is caused by a bacteria instead of a virus, antibiotics obviously serve a purpose. These are some times you should not take antibiotics.

The Common Cold or the Sniffles

Some individuals see their physician to ask for an antibiotic at the first instance they think they have a cold. Using an antibiotic for a cold will not lessen the cold and may cause harm by killing the beneficial intestinal bacteria which help maintain the immune system. And that’s not mentioning a nasty case of diarrhea. There is no cure for the simple cold, unfortunately. Even though it’s not proven yet, it’s safer to take a natural treatment of herbs such as Echinacea.

Most Sore Throats

Do not think that each sore throat you get is Strep. The majority of sore throats are caused by viruses and not much can be done except letting them run their course. If there is any doubt, a quick strep test can be performed in the office to see whether or not antibiotics are required. It’s much better for your health not to take antibiotics unless it’s proven you have Strep throat.

The Flu

If only it was possible to cure the flu with an antibiotic. Unfortunately, three strains of the virus, Influenza A, B, and C, are the main causes of influenza. If taken during the first 48 hours of contracting the flu, some anti-viral medications can shorten its course; antibiotics, on the other hand, will do nothing but cause side effects.

Cough

Antibiotics may be needed in some situations where a cough is present, such as pneumonia, or bronchitis in a smoker or bronchitis that has been going on for a long time. Because a cough is usually caused by a virus, there is no need to take antibiotics.

Sinus Infections

The modest benefits of antibiotic use in treating sinus infections must be weighed against the risks associated with their use. If left untreated, a sinus infection usually clears up in about two weeks. For the garden variety sinus infection, symptomatic treatment is usually sufficient; if symptoms are sever, your physician may prescribe an antibiotic.

Ear Infections

There are studies that show that using an antibiotic for ear or sinus infections isn’t generally helpful, because these types of infections, usually clear up on their own. The journal, Pediatrics, published a study demonstrating that antibiotics were no better than no treatment at all for ear infections, in the areas of symptom relief or patient satisfaction. The question must be asked: if the outcome is the same, why run the risk of serious side effects?

It is important to remember that there may be situations where some of the conditions will require antibiotics, and these are only general guidelines. All of these things are for you to talk to your doctor about.