Although doctors don’t recommend it at all, it’s relatively common for people to self-medicate with a few medicine cabinet remedies when they have ailments. However, this approach is not only ineffective, it is clearly harmful.
This happens with antibiotics, for example. These drugs are commonplace in any average citizen’s medicine cabinet, but that doesn’t mean they can be considered therapeutic drugs that can be administered without thought.The Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU) explained this and called for Avoid antibiotics for the mildest symptoms.
OCU warns on its website “Antibiotics don’t solve everything” Because the use of these substances can have very negative consequences, because when used with viruses rather than against bacteria, “The only thing that can be achieved is the emergence of bacterial resistance, so they are useless when you really need them. ”
The agency highlighted five situations in which antibiotics should not be given, although measures can be taken on a regular basis. They are:
influenza
Since it is a virus and not an infection, antibiotics should not be used. In these cases, it’s best to take another course of action: take fever-reducing and pain-relief medicines to relieve pain and fever, drink plenty of fluids, ventilate the room you rest in, don’t share kitchen utensils, and see a doctor if you have a fever.
sore throat
Most cases are due to acute pharyngitis that cannot be treated with antibiotics, according to the OCU. Instead, pain relievers, fever reducers, fluid intake, and sweets are recommended to reduce irritation or inflammation in the area.
acute sinusitis
It is inflammation of the sinus mucosa, as long as it lasts for less than a month. They are usually caused by viruses and are associated with colds, so antibiotics are not an option, the OCU explained. On the other hand, if a nasal wash is performed, pain relievers, antihistamines, decongestants, and saline are useful.
cough
This occurs when a respiratory infection occurs but has a viral origin. Also, regardless of treatment, the cycle of the disease is three to four weeks, so antibiotics are not recommended. Instead, honey can be used to relieve or improve symptoms, humidify the environment, and drink fluids.
high fever
Fever is a symptom, not a disease, the OCU explains, so the first thing to do is look for what’s causing it. In children, extra precautions must be taken: for children under three months, it is recommended to see a doctor; for older children, you can wait a few days before going to the doctor; for adults, only the appearance of vomiting, etc. is alarming Only see a doctor when symptoms are severe, unconsciousness, dehydration, difficulty breathing…