Dr. Ghayth Hammad: Antibiotic or Not?

Fri, 03/13/2020 - 2:21pm — Diane Dyer

ith this time of year come many viruses and illnesses. As healthcare providers we must make decisions whether or not to use antibiotics in treating numerous symptoms. Most illnesses seen in the primary care setting are viral in nature, and are treated by providing patients with instructions regarding the use supportive measures such as drink plenty of fluids and use over the counter medications to treat their symptoms. Antibiotic resistance is a serious problem. Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria change in response to the use of antibiotics. Bacteria, not humans or animals, become antibiotic-resistant. These bacteria may infect humans and animals, and the infections they cause are harder to treat than those caused by non-resistant bacteria.

So when do we need an antibiotic? The chart provided below gives great information as to what conditions require the use of antibiotics in order to get better. Many conditions that are listed below such as "bronchitis" or a "sore throat" may make us feel horrible and we request the antibiotic so that we can get over the symptoms faster, but remember, antibiotics do not treat viral infections. If you are sick and need to be seen give us a call. 270-526-9652.