Antibiotics Not Always Prescribed for Minor Bacterial Infections

Q:  I went to the doctor for an episode of bronchitis and was surprised, as well as a little angry, that an antibiotic was not prescribed. In the past, I've been given antibiotics for this type of infection and have gotten better. This time I was told that my infection was caused by a virus and that antibiotics wouldn't help. Why the change?

A:  There is increasing evidence that the use of antibiotics for minor bacterial infections and for infections caused by viruses has resulted in the creation of drug-resistant strains.

This means that we may be soon facing the same dilemmas doctors and patients dealt with 50 years ago, before the introduction of penicillin -- no medicines to cure certain infections. Not a great prospect.

One way the public and the medical profession can respond is to limit the use of antibiotics for documented bacterial infections only and for those infections that put a person's life at risk.

This means that most sore throats, coughs, colds, flu and ear infections can be treated conservatively with rest, fluids and over-the-counter medications to reduce pain and fever.

If, after 24 to 48 hours you still don't feel well, or if your condition seems worse, I'm sure your doctor would be willing to re-evaluate the decision.

"Your Health" provides easy-to-understand information about common health conditions.