Recent research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that antibiotics have little effect on ear infections, and for those who do take antibiotics, they are at a slight risk for developing rashes or diarrhea. It was also found that older and less expensive antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, work just as well as the more expensive and newer antibiotics.
This research is important - overuse of antibiotics is now considered one of the public’s most pressing health concerns. Increasingly, we’re seeing that bacteria have built up resistance to antibiotics - rendering some of the most common antibiotics useless in some cases.
It’s important to remember that antibiotics do not kill viruses - only bacteria. There are three different types of ear infections. Acute otitis media is often caused by bacteria, in which case antibiotics are useful. However, it can also be caused by a virus in which case an antibiotic will not work. Buildup of fluid in the middle ear (otitis media with effusion) is caused by a virus and thus antibiotics should not be used. On the other hand, Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa) can be treated with antibiotics.
Ear infections are caused by germs, bacteria or viruses that enter your middle ear via the Eustachian tube connecting your throat and ears. This tube can become swollen and cause fluid to collect within the ear.
And, yes, ear infections can be quite painful - particularly for children. The best course of action is to visit your doctor to check on the severity of the infection. Your doctor can also provide you with ear drops that can numb the ear and relieve the pain. Pain relievers can be given to the child to reduce a fever and relieve any discomfort. But remember, never give a child aspirin. A warm washcloth applied to the ear can also help alleviate some discomfort. Yellow fluid leaking from the ear may indicate a burst eardrum. Don’t fear, the eardrum usually heals within two weeks.
For more information on the importance of limiting antibiotic treatment, visit www.cdc.gov/getsmart/.
When people feel miserable with a cold, flu, cough, runny nose or sore throat, they often hope for antibiotics to make them feel better and get well. The problem is, antibiotics don’t work for these conditions. Why? Because they are viral infections and antibiotics are only effective on bacterial infections.
For example, except in rare cases, bronchitis is caused by a virus and not treated with antibiotics. Sinus infections are also usually viral, but acute bacterial sinusitis is caused by bacteria and should be treated with an antibiotic.
Physicians have become ever more vigilant about prescribing antibiotics because over the years bacteria have developed resistances to antibiotics. When you take antibiotics, most of the bacteria are killed. However, some resistant germs may be left behind. Over time, they can multiply. As bacteria become more resistant to antibiotics we find that illnesses can last longer, may become more severe, can result in hospital stays and may require more expensive and complex medications.
For more information on the use and overuse of antibiotics, visit www.cdc.gov/getsmart/index.html.
This year, there’s been an increase in cases of persistent coughing and sinusitis. Are the two related? They can be. Coughing is a defense mechanism - it’s how your body removes irritants such as bacteria, viruses, pollutants, mucus or postnasal drip, from your lungs and upper respiratory tract.
Just what happens when you cough? A recent article in the Washington post provides a great interactive diagram of the anatomy of a cough. Basically, irritants in your throat or mucus in your lungs stimulate your nerves and send a message to your brain indicating the need to cough. Your body reacts with an intake of breath, the glottis above your voice box temporarily closes, your chest muscles contract and you forcibly cough - expelling air through the open glottis and out your mouth.
Feeling stuffed up? Have headaches, cough at night, a recurring sore throat or pressure in your face? What you think is a cold or allergies may be chronic sinusitis — inflammation of the sinus passages caused by fungal, bacterial or viral infections. View this health video from CNN. It gives a great overview of the condition, as well as treatment options.
As a child, many of us were told about the dangers of stepping on a rusty nail. “Step on one and you could get lockjaw” was what I was told. For that reason, many of us assume that tetanus is caused by a cut or scratch from a metallic object. In fact, tetanus - an infection of the nervous system - is caused by a bacteria commonly found in soil, feces or saliva called Clostridium tetani (C. tetani). Thus it’s the dirt on the rusty nail, not the rust that carries the threat of tetanus. It should also be noted that dirty needles, such as those used for tattooing or piercing, can carry the C. tetani bacteria.
The biggest risk for tetanus is from deep puncture wounds or cuts that aren’t properly cleaned. Wounds that are on the face or head also tend to be more dangerous. A person becomes infected when the spores of the C. tetani bacteria enter the wound and release a neurotoxin that causes muscle spasms. This toxin can then travel throughout your body via the lymph or blood system and create more muscle spasms. Tetanus can be fatal.
Tetanus is often called lockjaw because muscle spasms in the jaw are generally the first symptom. This can lead to pain or stiffness in the neck, shoulders and back, as well as make it difficult to swallow. As the neurotoxin spreads, so do the spasms. If the spasms become severe enough they can tear muscles or cause fractures. Symptoms usually appear within a week to four weeks.
If you have suffered a deep cut or wound that you think may put you at risk for tetanus, contact your physician. Even if you have been vaccinated a booster shot may be necessary. Immunization for tetanus is believed to protect you for 10 years.
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