The side effects of antibiotics include compromised immune systems, the spread of anti-biotic resistant superbugs, and, for ashmatics, a worsening of asthma symptoms.
Analyzing over 5,000 outpatient visits of, researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, found that some antibiotics may be overprescribed for kids with asthma. Antibiotics were prescribed in 1 of 6 routine visits even though national guidelines don’t recommend them as therapy.
However, when best practices and alternative therapies were discussed by the pediatrician during those visits, patients were much less likely to receive antibiotic prescriptions.
What this points to, as we’ve tried to stress many times, is that patients need to ask lots of questions to make sure they’re getting the best treatment. This should include a time frame to take any medication, alternative therapies, and side effects.
