Antibiotics treatments, the good, the bad and the ugly. The biggest problem with antibiotic use is inappropriate prescribing, eg for colds and flu. Antibiotics have a place but their overuse has increased in resistant strains of bacteria. We are on the way to a time when the present antibiotics will be useless.
Children’s colds
It’s normal for a child to have eight or more colds a year. This is because there are hundreds of different cold viruses and young children have no immunity to any of them as they’ve never had them before. Gradually they build up immunity and get fewer colds. Caesar baby‘s immune system is a lot poorer than natural birth.
Most colds get better in five to seven days without antibiotics.
Children’s sore throats
Usually, a viral infection is due to a postal nasal drip.
Children’s coughs
Although it’s upsetting to hear your child cough, coughing helps clear away phlegm from the chest or mucus from the back of the throat. If your child is over the age of one, try a warm drink of lemon and honey.
Croup
A child with croup has a distinctive barking cough and will make a harsh sound
Children’s ear infections
Ear infections are common in babies and small children. They often follow a cold and sometimes cause a high temperature. A baby or toddler may pull or rub at an ear. Other possible symptoms include fever, irritability, crying, difficulty feeding, restlessness at night and a cough.
Don’t put any oil, eardrops or cotton buds into your child’s ear unless your GP advises you to do so.
Most ear infections are caused by viruses, which can’t be treated with antibiotics. They will just get better by themselves, usually within about three days.
After an ear infection, your child may have a problem hearing for two to six weeks.
Glue ear in children
Repeated middle ear infections (otitis media) may lead to glue ear (otitis media with effusion), where sticky fluid builds up and can affect your child’s hearing.
If your baby has been to the doctor more than twice in its lifetime for some recurring infection then you should be concerned. If your baby has had more than two sets of antibiotics in their lifetime you should be concerned.
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