Although most of those infections are bacterial, they usually do not require the use of an antibiotic, but do take about a day longer to clear up without a prescription, Antonelli said. Physicians have to be more selective about offering antibiotics to children. Giving antibiotics for recurring ear infections as a prophylactic works for a while, but then bacteria can become more resistant and harder to treat. To decrease the chances of a child getting complicated ear infections, Antonelli recommended breastfeeding, avoiding exposure to tobacco smoke and using daycare with groups of less than six children. If an antibiotic is prescribed, the whole course should be completed to ensure the bacteria is killed.
Hospitals do have certain antibiotics they hold in reserve to treat resistant bacteria.
Antonelli said he believes health-care professionals have done a good job using them sparingly, but he cautions that relying on antibiotic variation alone won't solve the problem of resistance. Consulting Group Inc. All rights reserved. Please contact us with any comments, problems or bugs. Consulting Group Inc. All rights reserved.