So often now, I see antibiotics given inappropriately. Most frequently, patients with an upper respiratory viral infection are given oral antibiotics, which have no benefit on treating viral infections. Why? One can theorize that the doctor does so to substantiate the patient coming to see him/her, the doctor is not completely sure and is covering for a bacterial problem, or the patient wants “something”, even if it is not going to be of benefit.
The overuse of antibiotics has led to many problems, including the risk of resistant bacteria, unnecessary costs, and risk of reactions to these medications. A recent study has given even more reason for one to take antibiotics when NECESSARY.
A recent study has shown that antibiotics given during the first two years of life increases the risk of allergy and eczema.