Understand disease to use antibiotics correctly

Antibiotics only work with some infections, excessive abuse is the cause of antibiotic resistance.

About 5,000 people die from infections that are resistant to drugs every year in the UK, and antibiotic resistance is getting worse. Recent research shows that half of doctors admit to prescribing antibiotics even when they know that it doesn't work. 90% said that the cause was due to pressure from patients.

Dr. Louise Selby offers some analysis when to really use antibiotics and when they are not needed.

Sore throat

This is one of the common reasons most people come and ask for antibiotics.

No antibiotics needed

In most cases, pharyngitis is caused by a virus, not by bacteria. Antibiotics work by killing or neutralizing bacteria. They are not valid for viruses.

Better than bad, you should reduce discomfort with pain relievers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Rest is required to help the immune system defeat the virus.

Use antibiotics

When fever is higher than 38.5 degrees combined with white spots on the tonsils may be a sign of bacterial infection. Some common symptoms of bacterial pharyngitis are nasal discharge, sneezing, swollen neck pain . If symptoms persist for more than 24-48 hours, antibiotics such as penicillin can be used.

Overuse of antibiotics is the cause of serious antibiotic resistance.(Artwork: intermediachannel.it)

Sinusitis

No antibiotics needed

Most sinusitis is caused by a virus, so antibiotics will not work. Nasal discharge in a bowl of evaporated water with a towel on your head can help moisten and loosen secretions, easily clear the nose. Pain relievers may also reduce the feeling of temporary nasal congestion.

Use antibiotics

If symptoms do not improve after a week or if sinusitis occurs many times a year, antibiotics can be used. About a third of people with sinusitis will develop secondary infections in the lining of the sinuses and require antibiotic treatment.

Eyesore

The inflammation, pain and eye infection can be caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi.

No antibiotics needed

When eye infections are mild, discomfort can be treated with antibacterial drugs such as Brolene Eye Drops and GoldenEye containing isetionate propamidine. Instead of killing the bacteria, these drugs slow growth, allowing the body to fight infections.

Use antibiotics

When the eye shows severe pain, signs of bacterial conjunctivitis appear, the use of antibiotic eye drops is necessary.

Chest infection

No antibiotics needed

Bronchitis is usually caused by a virus. Symptoms of aspirin, paracetamol and ibuprofen can be reduced.

If you have a cough for about 2 weeks, you may not need antibiotics. If you last more than 3 weeks, you may get a secondary infection from a chest infection to monitor other symptoms like high fever and wheezing.

Use antibiotics

When symptoms such as fever over 38.5 degrees, difficulty breathing, headache, coughing up phlegm . may be symptoms of pneumonia. Unlike bronchitis, pneumonia can be caused by bacteria and antibiotics are usually needed. If you cough up blood or have a persistent cough for more than 3 weeks, you must see your doctor.

Ear infection

No antibiotics needed

Middle ear infections are usually caused by a virus. Paracetamol or ibuprofen may help relieve pain or fever.

Use antibiotics

In adults or children, if symptoms are severe, include a fever higher than 38.5 degrees and vomiting, do not stop within 2-3 days or if there is discharge in the ear, antibiotics should be used .

Urinary infections

No antibiotics needed

Mild symptoms including mild burning sensation during urination, frequent urination can be reduced by drinking plenty of water and cranberry juice 250-500ml daily.

If a urinary infection recurs, it is sometimes simply because of not drinking enough water or using too much soap when cleaning the private area.

Use antibiotics

If you have low back pain, it may be a sign of an infection that has spread to your kidneys and antibiotics are needed. Antibiotics also play a major role in the treatment of cystitis.