Sniffle Solutions

It’s difficult for parents to tell the difference between a virus (i.e., a cold that heals on its own) and a bacterial infection (which warrants antibiotics). The reality is that it can be difficult for physicians too. In fact, a recent study published in the journal Pediatrics concluded that over 10 million kids in the United States may be given antibiotics unnecessarily every year. The study also found that in 1 in 5 cases, this treatment was prescribed when it shouldn’t have been.

These statistics are troubling because these drugs can have unwanted side effects, such as upset stomach, skin rash, allergic reactions and diarrhea. And the more your child uses them, the more the risk that an antibiotic-resistant bug will develop in the future.

That means in a lot of scenarios it’s not appropriate for your doctor to prescribe antibiotics. Some parents assume that thick yellow or green nasal discharge is a sign of a bacterial infection, but it’s actually a normal symptom that often occurs a few days after the onset of a cold. In fact, most upper-respiratory infections are caused by viruses, not bacteria, as are most sore throats, acute bronchitis and many sinus or ear infections.

So how can you tell if your child is experiencing cold-like symptoms that actually require antibiotics -- that is, strep throat or a cough caused by a bacterial infection?

Strep throat, for one, is easy: If your child has an isolated sore throat and a fever, and especially if strep throat has been going around your child’s school, see your physician for a throat culture. This test clearly determines whether or not your kid has the infection and needs antibiotics.

As for coughs, parents should trust their instincts. A typical cough lasts for about 10 days, but it can linger for up to three weeks. So if that hacking doesn’t improve after about two weeks, I recommend consulting your doctor. It’s also time to see your pediatrician if a cough is accompanied by any of the following symptoms:

• A fever over 102 F that lasts more than two days
• Pain with breathing
• Chest pain
• Quick, shallow breathing
• Stomach pain and/or vomiting, which can be a sign of bacterial pneumonia
• Extreme discomfort or rapid breathing

Your doctor can determine whether your child’s specific symptoms require a round of antibiotics. You can also check out my blog post here to learn more about safe antibiotic use.

* As told to Colleen Canney, group editor of Sniffle Solutions