Antibiotics are great at keeping us healthy, but overuse has led to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Sometimes antibiotics are the perfect fix, other times they can be unnecessary and ineffective. Below, using tips from the American Board of Internal Medicine, we provide some details on when you should and shouldn’t seek out antibiotics for common infections.
Respiratory Infections
Symptoms: Running nose, sore throat, cough.
Issue at hand: One size doesn’t fit all, certain infections need different antibiotics.
Pursue antibiotics if: The cough continues for longer than 14 days, or if your doctor diagnoses a specific bacterial illness, like strep throat.
Sinus Infections
Symptoms: Running nose, stuffed up feeling/congestion, pain in the face region.
Issue at hand: Sinusitis is typically caused by a virus. In situations when bacteria is the cause, the infection usually clears without antibiotic intervention within a week.
Pursue antibiotics if: The condition persists for more than 10 days, you cycle back and forth between feeling better and feeling worse, or you develop a fever.
Ear Infections
Symptoms: Pain in the ears, fever, drainage from the ears.
Issue at hand: Most ear infections heal on their own within a few days, especially after two years of age, and over-the-counter pain relievers can help with discomfort.
Pursue antibiotics if: Pain persists for more than three days, your child is under the age of two, or you are experiencing severe symptoms.
Eye Infections
Symptoms: Puffy eyes, eye discoloration, pain, discharge.
Issue at hand: Pinkeye is typically caused by a virus or allergy, so antibiotics don’t usually help. Bacterial pinkeye usually goes away on its own within a week or so.
Pursue antibiotics if: You have a weakened immune system, the issue doesn’t resolve within a week of no treatment or if symptoms become severe.
Urinary Tract Infections
Symptoms: Pain, discomfort or burning sensation while urinating.
Issue at hand: Sometimes bacteria are present in our urine even though we don’t have a UTI.
Pursue antibiotics if: You are an older person experiencing the symptoms, or if the symptoms continue over a few days.
Skin Infections
Symptoms: Bumps, cracks or sores in the skin, redness, fever or skin discharge.
Issue at hand: Most wounds heal well with creams, and antibiotics often won’t help.
Pursue antibiotics if: The wound is in an area where the body with a higher risk of infection, like the groin region, or if it shows signs of an infection, like drainage, pus or fever.
Related source: Choosing Wisely by the ABIM.
