Use natural treatments rather than medicines to cure the flu
It is upsetting to watch your child unwell as a parent. You make every effort to make them feel better by finding whatever means feasible. Most parents see the doctor right away, where their children are given antibiotic prescriptions. Antibiotics might weaken your child's immune system and make them more susceptible to long-term issues. Let's go over why kids shouldn't be given antibiotics for the common cold and flu.
How do antibiotics work?
Viruses, colds, and sore throats affect kids of all ages on a regular basis. When we take our children to the doctor, many of us as parents have a little amount of expectation that they will be prescribed an antibiotic to treat the illness. Antibiotics do not treat common cold and flu symptoms, despite the fact that they often help and are required. Bacteria and viruses are the two types of microorganisms that may make you sick. Even though their symptoms may be the same, each of them has a unique growth and spreading pattern.
Bacteria:
The vast majority of microorganisms in our bodies are already helpful to us. But certain 'bad' viruses get inside our bodies and stop the body from functioning correctly. These microorganisms are destroyed by antibiotics, which also stop them from spreading.
Virus:
Viruses are incapable of sustaining themselves since they are not alive. They don't start acting in the body until they get inside other living cells. These particles have been genetically altered and coated with protein.
Even before they start a sickness, the immune system of the body can fight them, although some take their time, such as the cold virus. Antibiotics also have no effect on them.
Problems caused by antibiotics:
Antibiotics can cause problems like allergic reactions, side effects, and antibiotic resistance.
Allergic reaction:
100 children out of 1,000 have an allergy to antibiotics. They might have welts that are large, itchy, and red. If the kid has any rashes while taking antibiotics, you should see your doctor right once.
Other side effects:
1 in 10 children may experience side effects like nausea, vomiting, stomach ache, and diarrhea on the consumption of antibiotics. Along with killing the bad bacteria, antibiotics also kill the good bacteria which can lead to such problems.
Antibiotic-resistant:
As a result of repeated usage of antibiotics, certain germs grow resistant to them, leaving the youngster susceptible to infection. Stronger antibiotics may be prescribed to address the issue in some of these situations. One of the primary causes for doctors' reluctance to prescribe antibiotics before they are truly necessary is due to this.
When does your child really need antibiotics?
Antibiotics are not necessarily harmful and ought to be avoided at all costs, as some may believe. They can also save lives and are sometimes essential. Children may occasionally require antibiotics if they exhibit symptoms including a cough that lasts longer than 14 days, bacterial pneumonia or whooping cough, high fever and greenish-yellow nasal discharge, a strep throat diagnosis, ear infections, urinary tract infections, or bladder infections.
Children taking antibiotics must be careful with their diet:
Antibiotics destroy the infection-causing bacteria, but they also kill the beneficial germs that the body needs to absorb important nutrients like vitamin K and B vitamins. Doctors advise getting back lost nutrients through a nutrient-rich diet or multivitamin supplements. Make sure your youngster takes the prescription antibiotic in its entirety for optimal benefit.
Home remedies for cold and flu:
Garlic cloves in mustard oil: Heat the mustard oil (do not boil), then add ajwain and a couple of cloves of garlic. On your child's feet, back, and chest, rub this.
Juice made with ginger and honey: Grate some ginger and extract the juice. Give your youngster the juice after mixing it with honey.
Maintain a comfortable environment by using humidifiers to keep the air in the space wet, which will relieve nose and chest congestion.
Give them more fluids: Encourage them to drink a lot of water to avoid being dehydrated. Additionally, it thins and removes nasal secretions.
Gargle: Make them gargle with warm water and salt:
- Tips to lower your child's antibiotic prescriptions
- - Provide them with a balanced, nutrient-rich meal.
- - Teach children to always wash their hands before and after playing and returning from school.
- - Provide them with dietary supplements (see a doctor)
- - Support their digestive health by providing them with fermented food and fiber.
Frequently Answer Question
Q: How do antibiotics work?
A: Antibiotics are medications that can kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria. They work by targeting specific bacterial processes and structures, preventing the bacteria from functioning properly and causing harm to the body. However, antibiotics do not have any effect on viruses.
Q: What is the difference between bacteria and viruses?
A: Bacteria and viruses are two different types of microorganisms that can cause illnesses. Bacteria are single-celled organisms that can reproduce and survive on their own. Some bacteria are harmful, but many are actually beneficial or necessary for our bodies. On the other hand, viruses are not considered living organisms. They are genetic material (DNA or RNA) enclosed in a protein coat and require a host cell to reproduce and cause infection.
Q: Can antibiotics treat common cold and flu symptoms?
A: No, antibiotics are not effective against viral infections such as the common cold and flu. These illnesses are caused by viruses, and antibiotics specifically target bacteria. Using antibiotics for viral infections will not help alleviate symptoms or cure the illness.
Q: What problems can antibiotics cause?
A: Antibiotics can cause several problems, including allergic reactions, side effects, and antibiotic resistance.
Q: What are the signs of an allergic reaction to antibiotics?
A: Allergic reactions to antibiotics can vary, but common signs include large, itchy, and red welts or rashes. If your child develops any rashes while taking antibiotics, it is important to consult a doctor immediately.
Q: What are the side effects of antibiotics in children?
A: Some children may experience side effects such as nausea, vomiting, stomach ache, and diarrhea when taking antibiotics. These side effects can occur because antibiotics not only kill harmful bacteria but also beneficial bacteria in the body.
Q: What is antibiotic resistance?
A: Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria evolve and become resistant to the effects of antibiotics. This can happen due to the misuse or overuse of antibiotics. When bacteria become resistant, infections caused by these bacteria are more difficult to treat and may require stronger antibiotics.
Q: When does a child really need antibiotics?
A: Antibiotics are not always necessary for every illness, but there are cases when they may be prescribed. Children may require antibiotics if they have a cough that lasts longer than 14 days, bacterial pneumonia or whooping cough, high fever with greenish-yellow nasal discharge, a strep throat diagnosis, ear infections, urinary tract infections, or bladder infections. It is important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Q: How can children replenish beneficial bacteria while taking antibiotics?
A: Antibiotics can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the body, including the beneficial ones. To replenish these bacteria, it is advised to encourage a nutrient-rich diet or consider multivitamin supplements. This can help ensure the body receives important nutrients like vitamins K and B vitamins.
Q: Are there any home remedies for cold and flu symptoms?
A: While antibiotics are not effective for cold and flu, there are some home remedies that can help alleviate symptoms. These include rubbing mustard oil with garlic cloves on the child's feet, back, and chest, giving them ginger and honey juice, maintaining a comfortable environment with humidifiers to relieve congestion, encouraging increased fluid intake to prevent dehydration, and gargling with warm water and salt.
Q: How can I lower my child's antibiotic prescriptions?
A: To reduce the need for antibiotics, you can:
- Provide your child with a balanced, nutrient-rich diet to support their overall health and immune system.
- Teach children the importance of handwashing before and after activities, especially when returning from school or playing.
- Consider dietary supplements after consulting with a doctor.
- Support your child's digestive health by including fermented foods and fiber in their diet.
Remember, it is always important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and guidance regarding the use of antibiotics and other treatments for your child's health conditions.
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