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Ear infections are one of the most common reasons for antibiotic use in children. Studies now show that antibiotic use for ear infections is often unnecessary since most infections clear up regardless of the type of treatment. (3) Researcher report that nearly two-thirds of children with uncomplicated ear infections recover from pain and fever within 24 hours and more that 80% recover within seven days.(4) In fact, some governments are funding educational programs to ensure that children do not receive antibiotics as a matter of course. In some cases, school officials
are sending information home with students that educates parents about
the appropriate use of antibiotics and the dangers of overuse.
If it’s so bad, why do they do it?
Antibiotics are chemical drugs used to kill bacteria infections such as: strep throat and
some sinus, bladder and lung infections. Antibiotics are not effective
for viral infections. These include bronchitis, colds, influenza, and
ear infections. (10)
Almost half (44%) of children seen by their doctors for a common cold
leave with a prescription for unnecessary antibiotics, reported by the
Journal of the American Medical Association in March 1998. 5 Knowing
the harmful side effects antibiotics can cause, researcher are now
looking a the reasons for their over prescription. What they are
finding is that:
* Physicians may not know that antibiotics are useless in viral
infections (71% of family physicians reported that they would
immediately prescribe an antibiotic to a child with one day of light
nasal discharge and a low-grade fever);
* Physicians use antibiotics for prevention despite no evidence that supports such use;
* Patients expect to receive a prescription for antibiotics based on past experience;
* Economic pressure on physicians demand that they see more patients
and spend less time with them on such things as patient education
Widespread publication of the harmful effects of antibiotics has made
people rightfully suspicious of their use. We’re seeing growing rates
of antibiotic-resistant infections such as influenzas. Drug resistant
strains of bacteria often develop when antibiotics are incorrectly
prescribed or are not taken long enough. (This last situation happens
frequently with antibiotics. There’s an initial decrease in symptoms
and, thinking you’re no longer sick, you stop taking the drug). When
you take antibiotics, it kills bacteria- both the infection-causing
strains as well as the disease fighting ones. So you have fewer
defenses against future infection. If not all of the infection-causing
bacteria is destroyed, the survivors can mutate into ones that can
resist the antibiotic. A rebound of infection occurs, one that has
already proven itself immune to the antibiotic. If more and stronger
antibiotics are used, it increases the vicious cycle of disease.
Stop the train, I want to get off
If you’re concerned about antibiotic overuse, take these steps:
* Parents must insist on better diagnosis from their physicians before
accepting a prescription for antibiotics. If an ear infection is caused
by inflammation or allergies, deal with the cause and not the symptoms.
In some cases, ear tubes may be a preferable solution because of the
harm antibiotics can do. Dietary changes may be necessary.
* Natural immune-boosters may prove effective against infection. These
include vitamin A, C and E, and the minerals zinc and selenium. The
herb Echinacea has also proven to be beneficial.
* Don’t accept prophylactic antibiotics (preventive antibiotics). They
don’t work and can create rebound infections. (6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13)
* You can also use probiotics as a preventative measure. Probiotics are
essentially live bacteria that survive passage through the
gastrointestinal tract and have beneficial effect on the host. (14)
Probiotics- nature’ good guys
When the healthy bacteria in your body have been destroyed by disease
or antibiotics, probiotics can restore the balance. They are live
bacteria that survive passage through the gastrointestinal tract and
have beneficial effects on the host.
Unlike antibiotics, which kill bacteria, probiotics work by restoring
the good bacteria your body needs. Probiotics can be used in place of
antibiotics in some cases, or to restore the good bacteria, which
antibiotics have destroyed. Studies are showing positive benefits from
probiotics in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, treating
allergies and controlling lactose intolerance.
It is possible to obtain probiotics from yogurt and fermented foods,
but it’s difficult unless the specific strain of necessary bacteria is
present (which in not the case in most commercial yogurt).(15)
If antibiotics are required…..
I recommend Nutridophilus brand of acidophilus:
* The storage and delivery is strictly controlled, thereby ensuring potency
* Nutridophilus is enteric coated, which protects the acidophilus from
stomach acid, so it can be released in the bowel, a safer environment
for bacteria
Acidophilus will reduce the side effects of antibiotics. If an
antibiotic is necessary, using acidophilus along with it will restore
the “good” bacteria that help digestion and suppress undesirable
bacteria and yeast (candida). Acidophilus should be taken between doses
of the antibiotic, not at the same time, because the antibiotic can
kill off the acidophilus bacteria. Be sure to refrigerate you
acidophilus to keep these good bacteria alive.
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