In the minds of many parents, antibiotics seem to have become a “toxic” proxy. Whenever this term is mentioned, parents are often afraid that antibiotics will cause irreversible harm to their children ‘ s health. This perception, while understandable, is in fact a misunderstanding and prejudice against antibiotics. In order to help parents properly understand the role of antibiotics and the importance of their rational use, the dual properties of antibiotics are discussed below and scientifically sound advice is provided.Antibiotics are not “toxins”, but tools for the treatment of bacterial infections.Antibiotics are one of the drugs used to treat infectious diseases caused by bacteria. They help to restore health to the human body by inhibiting or killing bacteria. However, in recent years, there has been a strong resistance from the public to antibiotics due to the increasing resistance problems caused by antibiotics abuse. Antibiotics are considered by many to be harmful to the body and even “toxic”. This perception, while out of concern for the health of the child, is in fact based on prejudices based on ignorance of the properties of the drug.In fact, all drugs have two attributes: on the one hand, they have a therapeutic effect and can help patients overcome disease; on the other hand, they can have some side effects. Antibiotics are no exception. When a disease requires treatment with antibiotics, choosing the right type of drug and giving it to the right amount of use, the benefits of using antibiotics for an affected child are far greater than their potential risk of side effects. Antibiotics are therefore not “toxics”, but effective treatment tools that are reasonably used under the guidance of doctors and pharmacists.Reasonable use of pros and cons of antibiotics based on the “benefit/risk” ratioThe principle of the use of medicines is based on a “risk-benefit” assessment. In other words, when deciding whether or not to use a drug, doctors take into account the potential side effects of the treatment and, on a balance between the advantages and the disadvantages, make decisions that are most beneficial to the patient. This principle applies equally to antibiotics.1. Therapeutic effects: The primary function of antibiotics is to eliminate or suppress bacteria that cause infection. Antibiotics are essential for treatment when the child suffers from bacterial or symbiotic infections (e.g., ear, urinary, pneumonia). If antibiotics are not used in a timely manner, the infection can increase and even cause serious complications that endanger life.2. Side effects risk: Although antibiotics have some side effects, they are usually minor and reversible. Common side effects include diarrhoea, nausea and rashes, which in most cases do not have a serious impact on the long-term health of children. In addition, as medicine advances, the safety of antibiotics has improved significantly and is manageable.3. Drug resistance: Antibiotic abuse leads to increased bacterial resistance, making future treatment more difficult. However, this does not mean that we should totally reject the use of antibiotics. Instead, we should use antibiotics rationally, under the guidance of doctors, and avoid unnecessary abuse. Only in this way can we effectively delay the development of drug resistance and protect our future medical resources.When should antibiotics be used? You have to follow the doctor’s instructions. Don’t say no blindly.When children are ill, parents tend to struggle with “use” and “no” antibiotics. In practice, the use of antibiotics depends on the specific condition and the professional judgement of the doctor. The following points help parents to better understand when antibiotics should be used:1. Discrepancies: Antibiotics are effective only for infections such as bacterial, fungus or nuclei, and not for viral infections such as common flu, flu and other non-infective diseases. Therefore, parents should not use antibiotics on their own behalf, but should, under the guidance of a doctor, determine whether the use of antibiotics is needed on the basis of the results of the examination.2. Medicinal compliance: If an antibiotic is recommended by a physician, the parent shall strictly follow the doctor ‘ s prescription and medical instructions. Do not reduce the dose or change the frequency of the drug so as not to affect treatment or lead to resistance.3. Observation of changes in conditions: During the use of antibiotics, parents should follow closely the changes in the condition of the child and record the temperature, diet, mental state, etc. If there is no significant improvement in the symptoms or a new discomfort, the doctor should be contacted in time to adjust the treatment programme.4. Periodical referral: Upon completion of the course of antibiotic treatment, it is recommended that the child be taken back to the hospital for review, that the doctor evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment and decide whether it is necessary to continue with the medication in the light of the actual situation. Regular visits help to identify potential problems in a timely manner and to ensure the safety of children.IV. Antibiotics are also used to prevent bacterial infections in certain special circumstancesIn addition to the treatment of bacterial infections, antibiotics can be used to prevent infection in certain circumstances. For example, for some high-risk groups (e.g. children with low immune capacity, trauma or patients undergoing surgery), doctors may recommend the use of antibiotics for specific periods of time to prevent infection. The preventive use of antibiotics, however, must be carried out under the strict guidance of a doctor, and parents cannot decide on their own.In short, antibiotics are not “toxics”, but are important drugs that, in the right circumstances, can effectively treat bacterial infections. Parents should not blindly reject antibiotics in the face of a child ‘ s illness, but should, under the guidance of doctors and pharmacists, use antibiotics rationally to ensure maximum treatment while minimizing the risk of side effects.
Posted inHealth and wellness