If a child is sick, should he or she take antibiotics?

Recently, many children in the pediatric ward have symptoms such as fever and cough. Should antibiotics be used? Parents are puzzled. How should they be used? What should be paid attention to when using them? The following article will provide some scientific information!

What are antibiotics?

Antibiotics are chemical drugs mainly used to kill or interfere with the growth and reproduction of pathogens. They are what we often call anti-inflammatory drugs, such as amoxicillin, cefixime, azithromycin, etc. However, there are more than just antibiotics that have anti-inflammatory effects. There are also many traditional Chinese medicine preparations, such as Pudilan oral liquid, Lanqin oral liquid, etc.

Antibiotic resistant

What is it?

Antibiotics are commonly referred to as "antimicrobial drugs" in medical terms. They are a general term for a variety of drugs used to treat diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. As the name "antimicrobial drugs" suggests, they fight bacteria, not viruses.

Bacterial infection

Antibiotics are needed

Antibiotics are effective against bacteria, but not against viruses. Some people use antibiotics when they catch a cold, but many colds are caused by viruses, so antibiotics are ineffective at this time. In addition to colds, common viral infections in children include herpetic pharyngitis, viral enteritis, measles, chickenpox, hand, foot and mouth disease, etc. Antibiotics are only needed when a viral infection is secondary to a bacterial infection, otherwise they will not be effective.

Health Tips:

1. Before using antibiotics, it is recommended to check the medicine carefully and read the drug instructions. Antibiotics will state in the "Indications" that they are used to treat infections caused by certain bacteria and fungi.

2. You must learn to identify common antibiotics, such as the penicillins commonly used in children, which are generally named **cillin; cephalosporins, which are cephalosporins; and macrolides, which include azithromycin, erythromycin, clarithromycin, etc.

3. Antibiotics are prescription drugs and must be purchased with a doctor's prescription. Follow the doctor's instructions when using them, only use the right medicine and use it in the correct way.

4. Love hygiene, wash your hands frequently, and reduce contact with pathogens. It is also important to exercise more, eat a balanced diet, and have a strong body!