It is crucial for parents to know that using antibiotics not recommended by doctor will not help and may even harm children. Antibiotics are medications  used to treat infections . They target bacteria not viruses. Your pediatrician will find out the right medicine to treat  your child’s infection when prescribing antibiotics.

Answers to common questions about antibiotics for children.

My child has a really bad cold. Why wont the doctor prescribe antibiotics ?

Colds are caused by viruses and antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections.  Most common cold symptoms  such as runny nose, cough and congestion  are mild. Your child will get better without  using any medicine.

Some colds do turn in bacterial infections so why wait on antibiotics.

Bacterial infections do not follow the  route of viral infections most of the time. Using antibiotics to treat bacterial infections may lead to  infections caused by resistant bacteria.  Your child may also develop diarrhea and other side effects later. If your child develops watery diarrhea , diarrhea with blood in it  and other side effects while taking antibiotics, call your doctor immediately.

My child’s nose is draining yellow or green mucus. Is it a sign of a bacterial  infection ?

When you have a common cold, it is normal  for the mucus from the nose to get thick and change  from yellow to green. Symptoms usually last for 10 days.

There are signs  that may indicate that bacteria may be involved in your child’s respiratory infection. This include the following :

• if a child with common cold  has a cough and green mucus that lasts more than  10 days.
• the child has a green and yellow mucus with fever of  higher than 102°F (39°C) for at least 3 or 4 day. It may be a sign of bacterial sinusitis.

Are antibiotics suppose to treat ear infections ?

Not all ear infections are treated by antibiotics. About half of all ear infections go away without antibiotics. The doctor may recommend observation if the  child doesnt have a high fever or severe ear pain. Medications  such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen  are over the counter pain medication that may lessen much  of the pain. It is essential to use the right dosage for your child’s age and size. Pain  and fever usually improve within the first couple of days.

Ear drops are available that may improve ear pain for a short time. Ask your child’s doctor before using ear drops for your child. Over the counter cold medicine ( decongestants and antihistamines) do not clear ear infections and are not recommended for younger children.

Do antibiotics treat sore throat ?

More that 80% of sore throat are caused by viruses. If your child has a runny nose, sore throat and a barky cough, a virus is the likely cause.

Antibiotics are used to treat sore throat caused by group  A streptococci . Infection caused by this bacteria is known as strep throat. It generally affects school aged  children and not children younger than 3.

If your doctor suspects strep throat, a test will be performed. If it comes back positive , antibiotics will be prescribed.

What are the side effects of antibiotics ?

Side effects of antibiotics include the following :

• rash
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• stomach pain

This occurs in 1  out of every 10 children who take antibiotics. It is essential to let your doctor know if your child gets a reaction to antibiotics.

How long does antibiotics take to work ?

For most bacterial infection , there is improvement within 48 to 72 hours of starting an antibiotic. If symptoms get worse or do not improve within 72 hours, contact your pediatrician. It is important for your child to finish the antibiotics even if symptoms improve. Stopping antibiotics too soon may result in infection not being treated fully and  this may  cause symptoms to start again.

Can antibiotics lead to resistant bacteria ?

Repeated misuse of antibiotics can lead to resistant bacteria. These bacteria are no longer killed by antibiotics commonly use to treat bacterial infection. The resistant bacteria can spread to other children and adults.

It is better  to use antibiotics specific to your child’s infection than antibiotics that treat a broad range of infections.

If your child develops  this type of bacteria, sometimes a special type of antibiotics may be needed. This medication is given through an IV ( vein) in the hospital.

How can i use antibiotics safely 

These tips will help you on how to use antibiotics safely

• antibiotics are used for bacterial infections. Don’t use them for a cold and flu
• make sure your child takes  the medication exactly as directed
• do not use someone’s  antibiotics for another child
• throw away any used antibiotics. Do not save for later
• antibiotics are not  always the answer  when a  child is sick. Ask your doctor what the best treatment for your child is