What are antibiotics?

Antibiotics are drugs that are used to treat infections, particularly those caused by bacteria. They are very useful drugs and have saved the lives of many children with serious illnesses such as meningitis, pneumonia and septicaemia (blood poisoning).

Children and antibiotics

Many parents worry when their children need frequent prescriptions for antibiotics. Some are concerned that the child will develop immunity to the antibiotic, while others are anxious about side effects, fearing the treatment may do more harm than good.

It is most unlikely that antibiotics will harm your child. Many children have needed these drugs for weeks or months on end, because of chronic infections in the kidneys, middle ear, tonsils and other parts of the body. Used when needed, antibiotics are among the most valuable drugs we have.

Bacteria and viruses

Not all infections can be treated with antibiotics. Many infections, such as simple colds and some stomach upsets causing diarrhoea, are caused by viruses, which can be destroyed only by the body's own defence mechanisms.

In many cases it is not always possible to determine if an infection is due to a bacteria or a virus. This is particularly so with infections of the upper respiratory tract. These infections, which cause sore throats, coughing, runny noses and ear aches, are very common. Most children, especially when they first start mixing with lots of other children, will get about six of these infections a year.

When are antibiotics necessary?

The decision to recommend an antibiotic in these circumstances will vary from doctor to doctor and from patient to patient. The length and severity of the illness and the presence of other complicating factors will influence the decision. Sometimes tests may be necessary to find which germ is causing the infection.

Which antibiotic is the right one?

There is an enormous range of different antibiotics for doctors to choose from. Some are only effective against particular bacteria, while others, known as 'broad spectrum antibiotics', will kill a wide variety of different bacteria. The aim of treatment is always to try and match the right antibiotic to the germ most likely to be causing the infection.

Complete the course

It is important to complete the entire course of antibiotics. Even though the child may seem better after two or three days, the bacteria may not have been completely eliminated and a further infection may develop a week or two later. Do not give one child's antibiotics to another with similar symptoms. This will mean that two children will have had an inadequate course of treatment.

Side effects

No drug can be guaranteed against producing side effects, and antibiotics are no exception. However, side effects are rare and, when they do occur, they are usually mild. Diarrhoea is the most common side effect.

Severe reactions to antibiotics are very uncommon and usually occur shortly after the medicine has been swallowed. If the child has a violent physical reaction (swelling of the head and neck, difficulty breathing or loss of conciousness) call an ambulance immediately.

Original material by My Dr. Dr Michael Jones, Medical Editor.