What is wrong with taking antibiotics all the time?
A major concern in the world today is antibiotic resistance. If one uses antibiotics for a long period of time or if one takes several antibiotics and continues to have infections, the bacteria may have developed resistance to the most commonly prescribed antibiotics. The patient does not become "immune" to antibiotics but rather the bacteria "learn" to tolerate the antibiotics (especially amoxicillin).
Additionally, all medications have the potential for side effects (especially when taking for the long-term). Some patients are poorly tolerant of antibiotics, with gastrointestinal side effects or rashes.
Finally, antibiotics do not treat the underlying cause of otitis media and therefore it may result in repeated infections and discomfort for you or your child.
- What are the signs of Otitis Media?
- How do you diagnose Otitis Media?
- Where is the Eustachian Tube and what does it do?
- How severe is the hearing loss with Otitis Media and how does it affect children?
- What are the risk factors that cause ear infections?
- What is the first line of treatment of acute otitis media?
- What is wrong with taking antibiotics all the time?
- What is the role of allergies with ear infections?
- Do children outgrow ear infections?