Antibiotics Not Always the Answer

What is the most effective treatment when your child has a cold, scratchy throat and/or runny nose? If your answer is antibiotics, think again.

Judith Campbell, M.D., pediatrician in infectious diseases at Texas Children’s Hospital and assistant professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine, reminds parents that antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections like strep throat, not viral infections such as a cold.

“Administering antibiotics when it’s unnecessary can actually be harmful in the long run,” Campbell said. “Every time your child receives antibiotics, resistant strains of bacteria may be left to grow and multiply. These new strains don’t respond to standard treatment and may require stronger medication.”

Check with your child’s doctor to determine if antibiotics can help the illness, Campbell advised.

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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