Does Your Child Really Need Antibiotics for That Infection?

Bacterial infections such as strep throat, pneumonia, and otitis media (ear infections) are incredibly common in infants and young children. Traditionally, these infections were treated with antibiotics, but due to increased concerns around antibiotic resistance and potential side effects, many parents are exploring alternatives. If you’re one of them, you may wonder whether your child needs an antibiotic prescription to feel better.

At Old Fourth Ward Pediatrics, our experienced pediatricians regularly prescribe antibiotics, but they also know when to recommend other treatments instead. Read on to discover what antibiotics are, when they’re necessary, and when they’re not.

What are antibiotics?

Antibiotics are a class of prescription drugs designed to kill bacteria or inhibit their growth. Bacteria are single-celled organisms found in the human body and throughout the environment. They play a vital role in processes like digestion and immunity, but can also present severe health risks in the event of an infection. 

When bacterial infections occur, antibiotics can stop the problem from worsening and help your little one heal.

Common infections that don’t need antibiotics

A common misconception many parents have is that antibiotics can cure almost any infection. However, antibiotics can only treat bacterial infections, not viral ones. At the same time, overusing antibiotics can increase the risk of bacterial resistance, so finding the right balance is crucial.

Common viral infections include:

• The common cold
• Influenza (flu)
• COVID-19
• Bronchitis (although sometimes bacterial, bronchitis is typically viral in children)
• Viral ear infections

Staying up-to-date on immunizations, handwashing, and other good hygiene practices can reduce your child’s risk. But if your little one comes down with a viral infection, supportive care, such as rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and fever management, can speed healing and shorten illness duration. 

When antibiotics are needed

Despite the risks that overusing antibiotics presents, this type of medication is the first line of defense against many childhood illnesses, including:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Strep throat
• Otitis media (ear infections)
• Bacterial pneumonia

Antibiotics can also treat certain sinus and skin infections. However, because viral and bacterial infections often present similar symptoms, the best way to develop a treatment plan is to make an appointment with one of our experienced pediatricians. 

How to support your child

As a parent, you want to move heaven and earth to support your child’s well-being. It’s understandable to want medication to speed healing and ease symptoms.

Even so, certain illnesses won’t respond to antibiotics. And, overusing these drugs can present various risks, including an upset stomach and allergic reactions. Considering these outcomes, we encourage you to work with your child’s pediatrician. Follow their advice, and if antibiotics aren’t an option, support your child with rest, fluids, and other forms of symptom relief.

Contact us if you think your child has a bacterial infection

If you’re concerned your child has a bacterial infection, schedule a same-day sick visit with our caring pediatricians. We have extensive experience diagnosing and treating bacterial illnesses and can help your little one feel better. Contact Old Fourth Ward Pediatrics in Atlanta, Georgia, today. Call the office or use the online booking feature to get started.