Any adult knows that a common cold is not a reason to immediately start taking antibiotics. Such remedies, of course, have an excellent effect on pathogens, and a person feels better the very next day, but they can also cause considerable harm. If the disease is at an early stage, it can be easily overcome with the help of heavy drinking, antiviral drugs and bed rest. But in some cases, antibiotics are still not enough.
Tests will help to make the correct diagnosis.
Before the doctor prescribes antibiotic therapy, a series of tests will be carried out. This is the only way to make sure that complications have not joined the common cold. If cough is present, sputum culture will be performed. In addition, general blood and urine tests will be ordered. To determine whether antibiotics are needed for ARVI, a swab from the nose and pharynx will help. If a purulent infection is present, it can be immediately recognized. A serious reason for prescribing antibiotic therapy is the identification of Lefleur's bacillus (the causative agent of diphtheria).
To make a more accurate diagnosis, the doctor may suggest that the patient undergo an examination in a hospital setting. Here it will be possible to carry out all the necessary laboratory tests and observe the patient's condition. The CBC will be performed several times. The doctor should pay attention to whether the ESR is growing, whether the total number of leukocytes is increasing.
Let's pay attention to well-being
The attachment of a bacterial infection can be determined by the general condition of the body. As a rule, the body temperature rises sharply. If the cold is complicated by pneumonia, the patient develops shortness of breath, and severe coughing attacks are tormented. In this case, ARVI is treated with antibiotics without fail.
It is worth paying attention to the color of the discharge from the nose and throat. If the mucus acquires a dark or green tint, it is highly likely that complications have appeared. With a bacterial infection of the genitourinary system, urine becomes brown in color, a precipitate appears in it, which can be easily seen with the naked eye. Blood or pus may be seen in the stool.
It often happens that after the onset of SARS, several days pass, and the treatment gives no results. In addition, additional unpleasant symptoms may appear, such as headaches, nausea, sleep disturbance. This may indicate the development of an inflammatory process in the lungs and bronchi. Additionally, a purulent plaque may appear on the tonsils, and the sore throat intensifies.
In the event of complications, which antibiotic to take for ARVI should be decided by the doctor. The age of the patient, his history, the presence of a tendency to allergic reactions, the localization of complications, etc. are taken into account. It is not recommended to take antibacterial drugs without the consent of the therapist.
When is it possible to do without antibiotics?
Even if a laboratory analysis showed the presence of a bacterial infection, antibiotics for ARVI are not always taken. Do not prescribe drugs for mucopurulent rhinitis that lasts less than two weeks. Antibacterial therapy begins only when antiviral treatment does not give a positive result. In addition, antibiotics are not prescribed for tracheitis, viral tonsillitis, nasopharyngitis, laryngitis. are also not suitable for the treatment of herpesvirus infection, which may occur during the period of ARVI.
There are also cases where the use of antibiotics is necessary at the first symptoms of a cold. With pronounced signs of reduced immunity, drugs are used simply for prevention. This is due to the fact that a bacterial infection is highly likely to join a weakened body. Antibiotics for ARVI for children are prescribed in case of a large lack of weight or in the presence of any physical abnormalities.
Indications for prescribing antibiotics
Antibiotics for acute respiratory viral infections in adults and children are prescribed primarily when the first symptoms of tonsillitis or pneumonia appear. The doctor may prescribe drugs from the group of penicillins or macrolides. With purulent lymphadenitis, they are prescribed. If such complications occur, there is a need for additional consultation of a hematologist and surgeon.
With SARS, inflammation of the paranasal sinuses can develop. Sinusitis is a serious cause for concern. If, with a common cold, yellow mucous discharge and pain appear in the area of the bridge of the nose, it makes sense to turn to the ENT. An X-ray examination will help to make an accurate diagnosis. Antibiotics for acute respiratory viral infections for children and adults in case of sinusitis are prescribed by an otolaryngologist.
In some cases, antibiotic therapy is prescribed for prophylactic purposes. Patients who have recently undergone surgery are treated with antibiotics for ARVI. In this case, a broad-spectrum drug can be prescribed. It will have to be applied for at least five days. Thus, the doctor tries to protect the patient from the development of any complications against the background of a decrease in immunity.
What antibiotics can be prescribed?
Depending on the form of complications, the general condition of the patient and his age, the doctor selects an antibacterial drug. Antibiotics of the penicillin series can be prescribed only to those patients who are not prone to allergic reactions. With tonsillitis, drugs such as Ecoclave, Amoxiclav, Augmentin can be prescribed. These are drugs that are commonly referred to as "protected penicillins". They have a milder effect on the human body.
In case of infection of the respiratory system, macrolides are most often prescribed. "Macropen", "Zetamaks" - antibiotics for ARVI in adults, if bronchitis begins. In diseases of the ENT organs, the drugs "Sumamed", "Hemomycin", "Azitrox" can be prescribed.
If resistance to drugs of the penicillin group occurs, antibiotics from a number of fluoroquinolones are prescribed. This is Levofloxacin or Moxifloxacin. Fluoroquinolones are prohibited antibiotics for ARVI for children. The skeleton in babies is not yet sufficiently formed, so unpredictable adverse reactions may occur. In addition, fluoroquinolones are reserved drugs that a person may need in adulthood. The sooner you start taking them, the sooner addiction will develop.
The doctor should choose the best antibiotic for ARVI, based on the characteristics of the patient's body and the form of complications. The specialist must do everything to help the patient overcome the disease to the maximum, while avoiding adverse reactions. The problem is complicated by the fact that every year pathogens become more and more resistant to broad-spectrum antibacterial drugs.
What is the correct way to take antibiotics?
The use of antibiotics for ARVI is necessary only when it is impossible to do without them. A runny nose and cough in a mild form are perfectly treated with antiviral drugs. Additional therapy is carried out when complications begin, and a bacterial infection joins the symptoms of a cold. If the high temperature lasts for more than three days, purulent discharge appears, the general condition of the patient worsens, antibiotics are prescribed.
It is advisable to write down all information about taking antibiotics in a special notebook. Pathogens can develop immunity to antibiotics. Therefore, treatment should not be started with potent drugs. In the event of complications, the doctor will definitely ask what antibiotics were previously taken for ARVI. The same drug will not be able to give the same good result in the treatment of different patients.
To select the appropriate antibiotics for SARS, it is worthwhile to conduct a bacterial culture. Thus, it will be possible to determine the sensitivity of microorganisms to a certain group of antibacterial drugs. The only problem may be that the laboratory analysis can last from two to seven days. During this time, the patient's condition may worsen.
Antibiotics for influenza and SARS must be taken strictly according to the scheme. One has only to forget about the medicine for one day, and the unpleasant symptoms of the disease will again appear. Between taking the pills should pass a certain period of time. If the drug is taken twice a day, then this must be done strictly after 12 hours.
How many days are antibiotics taken?
Regardless of which antibiotics the doctor prescribes for ARVI, they should be taken for at least five days. The very next day after the start of antibiotic therapy, the patient will feel a significant relief of his condition. But in no case should you interrupt the treatment. The duration of taking antibacterial drugs is determined by the therapist.
There are long-acting antibiotics that are prescribed in especially severe cases. The scheme of their reception is divided into several stages. The patient will have to take pills for three days, then take a break for the same period of time. Antibacterial drugs are taken in three visits.
Taking probiotics
Any antibiotics act not only on pathogens, but also on those that are beneficial. During the treatment period, the natural intestinal microflora is disturbed. Therefore, it is additionally worth taking drugs that can restore the normal state of the body. Such drugs as "Bifiform", "Linex", "Narine", "Gastrofarm" have a good effect. You should not only take probiotics, but also eat more dairy products. The drugs are taken in between taking antibiotics.
During the period of treatment, it is necessary to observe a special diet. It is worth eating more vegetables and fruits, giving up fatty and spicy foods. Any antibiotics for ARVI in adults and children inhibit the liver. It is necessary to eat light foods that will not burden the body. It is advisable to replace white bread with black bread, and dried fruits will be a great alternative to sweets.
Antibacterial drugs for adults
Cephalosporins are semi-synthetic with a wide spectrum of action. There are several generations of these funds. The most popular drugs are Aspeter, Ceporin, Cefalexin. They can be prescribed for various diseases of the respiratory system. "Aspetil" is also suitable for children's use, provided that the patient has a weight of over 25 kg.
Fluoroquinolones are broad-spectrum drugs that are rapidly absorbed into soft tissues. The most popular are Levofloxacin and Moxifloxacin. These antibacterial drugs are contraindicated in children, women during pregnancy and lactation, as well as people suffering from epilepsy. Cases of serious allergic reactions to fluoroquinolones are also familiar. The drugs are used twice a day for 500 mg.
Macrolides are drugs that have a bacteriological effect. They can be prescribed for such complications of SARS as bronchitis, tonsillitis, otitis media, sinusitis, pneumonia. Macrolides include Azithromycin and Erythromycin. It is difficult to answer the question of which antibiotic is better for ARVI. After all, the effect of taking macrolides can be noticeable only after 2-3 days. These drugs are approved for use during pregnancy and lactation. The daily dosage of the drug cannot exceed 1.5 g (divided into 5-6 doses).
Penicillins are antibiotics that affect streptococci and staphylococci. The most common are such drugs as "Amoxiclav", "Amoxicillin". This group of antibacterial drugs is considered the least toxic. Possible use in pediatric therapy. The effectiveness of the reception can be seen in a few days. The general course of treatment should last at least five days. In the most difficult cases, penicillins are taken for 10-14 days.
What are the most commonly prescribed for ARVI?
In diseases of the upper respiratory tract, babies older than three months are often prescribed "Augmentin". This drug is available in pharmacies in powder form. It is made into a suspension and given to children 3 times a day. In rare cases, an allergic reaction in the form of a rash may occur. A positive result from the treatment can be seen the very next day after the start of antibiotic therapy.
With such complications of SARS as otitis media, tonsillitis, cystitis, sinusitis, children can be prescribed Zinacef. The drug is presented in the form of a solution for injection. The dosage is determined by the age and weight of the child. The drug is diluted with water.
Sumamed Forte is another popular drug in pediatric therapy. The antibacterial agent has a wide spectrum of action and allows you to overcome the disease in the shortest possible time. The drug "Sumamed" is contraindicated in children under 6 months of age. The drug is presented in the form of a powder, which is diluted into a suspension. The dosage is calculated based on the weight of the child (10 mg per 1 kg of weight). The drug is taken once a day.