Anita Joshi is a board certified pediatrician and mother of two has been practicing in Crawfordsville since 1998. Crawfordsville Pediatric Center is located at 1901 Lafayette Ave. Suite 100, Crawfordsville. She can be reached at 765-361-3086.
“I went to urgent care because my child had a fever and cough and congestion and they gave them antibiotics and steroids so I knew I made the right decision to take them in right away.”
Actually, maybe not. It is tough for any parent to watch their child have a miserable cold and have fever for a day or two without wanting to do something. As a mom I completely understand this feeling, but as a physician I also understand the danger of unnecessary antibiotics. Most cold illnesses are caused by viruses which cannot be treated with antibiotics. The average cold lasts 10 days in an otherwise healthy person and does not require antibiotics. At times, the mentality of walk-in clinics, where the physician or nurse practitioner has no relationship with your child and doesn’t know their history is one of “not wanting to miss something” or wanting to make sure “the customer is satisfied.” This may often result in an unnecessary prescription of either an antibiotic or even a steroid.
Antibiotics are focused on treating bacterial illness and not every antibiotic is good for everything. As a pediatrician I know that studies have shown that Zithromax — the go to drug of the emergency room and walk-in clinic — is not a good first second or even third choice for treating ear infections. The choice of antibiotics is dependent on the likely bacteria causing the illness and the child’s history. A recent study estimated that as many as 10 million prescriptions were written each year for infections, they are unlikely to help. When antibiotics are not prescribed carefully, they can lead to the development of antibiotic resistance which makes it difficult to treat patients when they need it most. Antibiotics kill good bacteria as well as the “bad” which can lead to diarrhea and GI illnesses and yeast infections.
What about steroids? These medications should be used with caution especially in the pediatric population. They should never be used for the mild swelling or sore throats associated with strep or viral illness or for coughs that are not associated with a significant asthma exacerbation. Your body produces steroids naturally and giving steroids artificially can suppress the body’s natural production and cause significant problems.
So, what should I do when my child is sick after hours and suffering? Please call your pediatrician talk to them, they are in it for the long-term health and well-being of your child. Most cold symptoms and fever can be managed at home till they can be seen in the office. Even ear pain can be managed at home for a day or so safely without compromising the child in any way. A fever is not dangerous and is a sign that the child’s body is working to fight off the cold. We want to ensure that your child does not receive incorrect medications, inappropriate treatment or even potentially dangerous medications.
