Antibiotics, over-medicating etc.

[cael]

Not sure if this has been discussed here yet. I read a news article recently about it and actually have a coworker who is always on antibiotics for sinus infections. Personally I don't go to the doctor to get an antibiotic every time I feel stuffy and have a headache - I think that's bad for a few reasons, one being my body just doesn't need it since I usually get better on my own, two obviously the over-prescription of ABs helps create resistant bugs, and three because they can get into our water and food a number of different ways after being taken or disposed of. I will go to the doctor for meds if I develop a fever, but every time I have a sinus headache & the sniffles for a few days I don't call. I have been lucky to be relatively healthy the last few years though.

What are y'all's thoughts on this? I try not to medicate myself for other stuff either unless I really need it, what about you guys? I don't let myself suffer, but I don't abuse the ibuprofen and heartburn pills. (the heartburn pills are tough, sometimes I do need to take those frequently). I only take nyquil for bed if I'm pretty miserable. Allergy pills are different too, I need those in the spring but I try to stretch them to every other day unless the pollen's really bad.

[pig]

Kind of a moot point as bacteria will develop resistance whether or not said medication is over used or not. It just speeds up the process a bit. That being said it might even be a good things as it will necessitate further research into new anti-biotics rather than the complacent "we've got it under control" mentality.

[cael]

Apr 13, 2011 8:51:07 GMT -5 @pig said:

Kind of a moot point as bacteria will develop resistance whether or not said medication is over used or not. It just speeds up the process a bit. That being said it might even be a good things as it will necessitate further research into new anti-biotics rather than the complacent "we've got it under control" mentality.

The thing is, yes it would happen over time anyhow. But that time would allow us to develop new ABs, right? As I've been reading it, bugs are becoming more & more resistant (some think due in part to over-use) and we can't keep up with them. I think the "we have it under control" mentality is either starting to fade or is already gone. Let me see if I can find a few things I've read recently..

[pig]

"But that time would allow us to develop new ABs, right?"

In a perfect world yes. But, unfortunately, science is totally money driven. Money has not been there due to the fact that politicians think it's all well and good because of what we have. Speeding up the money will in turn speed up the research in a big way and that won't happen until it's hit critical mass which this is helping.

[steph08]

I agree cael. I carpool to work and my carpool partner is always on antibiotics for something. Oh, my ear hurts, I am going to the doctor to get a prescription. Oh, I am starting to sniffle, I am going to get a prescription. In the past 15 years or so , I have only been on antibiotics one time and that was for a horrible sinus infection that I could not kick and that no amount of over-the-counter meds or sleep/hydration (well, I couldn't even sleep that well) could help.

Then she tells me that she needs the strong antibiotics to kick her sniffles - well no wonder, you are on antibiotics probably half a dozen times a year!

[azphx1972]

Sinus infections can prove fatal if untreated. I wouldn't knock someone for going to the doctor and getting antibiotics if it's needed to get rid of it. www.buzzle.com/articles/untreated-sinus-infection.html

[cael]

Oh yeah. Like I said, if a fever pops up, I go to the doctor. But if I just have some sinus pressure & a stuffy nose for a few days, I don't call the doctor & get antibiotics. If it didn't go away or got worse I'd probably call. Again, luckily I've been pretty healthy for a while now. I just see people that are always on antibiotics, like steph said.

[azphx1972]

In those cases I place more blame doctors who prescribe antibiotics willy nilly, rather than taking the time to actually diagnose what the issue is.

[Formerly SK]

I'm on antibiotic #2 for a sinus infection (the first 10-day round didn't kick it). I'm normally not a meds gal, but after 2+ weeks with intense pressure that wasn't getting better I went in. I wish I hadn't waited as long as it's been almost a month now of feeling sick (and only able to work out once). I'm just praying this current AB finally gets it.

[azphx1972]

I hate sinus infections. I have allergies that cause sinus issues sometimes, and the dry desert air doesn't help. I've had to go to the doctor and get antibiotics about once a year. I can usually tell when I have bacterial infection because the mucus drainage turns yellow. No fun at all. I hope you feel better soon SK!

[Miss Tequila]

Apr 13, 2011 14:05:10 GMT -5 Formerly SK said:

I'm on antibiotic #2 for a sinus infection (the first 10-day round didn't kick it). I'm normally not a meds gal, but after 2+ weeks with intense pressure that wasn't getting better I went in. I wish I hadn't waited as long as it's been almost a month now of feeling sick (and only able to work out once). I'm just praying this current AB finally gets it.

That happened to me just recently. I had such a sinus infection that just touching my forehead hurt. I finally called the doctor and got an antibiotic.

I am not a medicine girl, either...unless you count wine

[Formerly SK]

Thanks AZ! I'm doubtful that this 2nd round of AB is working as the pressure is NOT DECREASING. I may just stab my head a few times with an ice pick to remove the pressure. Seriously.

[Deleted]

This is one of my biggest disagreements with the medical system. I threw away statins after they gave me tendinitis and control my chlesterol with diet, exercise and dietary supplements (fish oil, green tea pills). DH had awful side effects from a prescription for gout and started eating dried cherries instead. We know they work because he had the flu last week, quit eating much of anything, and his toes blew up again. He's back eating cherries and his feet look better already.

I am convinced of the need for some meds- DH is on an anti-cancer drug for polycythemia and I'm profoundly grateful for the trio of prescriptions he got last week that stopped his cough so that he could sleep after 3 nights of about 9 hours total sleep. I've run screaming to the Doc in a Box for prednisone when I got poison ivy that interfered with my sleep. But I haven't taken an antibiotic in about 5 years and I've sailed through menopause without any artificial hormones.

Prescriptions aren't the cure for everything,and they have side effects. Sometimes you can just let nature take its course or adjust your exercise/eating habits.

[cael]

I agree Athena!


I sympathize about the sinus infections, y'all, they suck the coworker of mine literally has one every 2 or 3 weeks and always gets antibiotics for it... That I just don't understand. Can't be good for you!