Dr Prabhjot Gill- Why You Should Talk to Your Doctor Before Taking Antibiotics (1)

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Dr Prabhjot Gill- Why You Should Talk to Your
Doctor Before Taking Antibiotics
Dr Prabhjot Gill
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If your doctor prescribes antibiotics, should you
take them without asking any questions? Probably
not. Up to one-third of all antibiotics
prescribed are deemed medically unnecessary by
the CDC. Many people also suffer from reactions
that range from mild to severe. CareDash spoke
with Dr. Prabhjot Gill, about what consumers need
to know before they take their next round of
prescribed antibiotics.
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CareDash What are some common side effects of
antibiotics?
Dr Prabhjot Gill  Although most people will
suffer no side effects from taking an antibiotic,
some studies have shown up to 20 of patients
prescribed an antibiotic will notice some side
effects. The severity of these side effects can
vary widely. Antibiotic side effects can range
from mild upset stomach, nausea, stomach cramps,
itching, rash, or mild fever to vomiting or
watery diarrhea. More severe side effects may
include hives swelling of the lips, face,
tongue, or throat difficulty breathing
photosensitivity oral or vaginal yeast
infections and even discoloration of teeth in
children or adolescents. A few antibiotics can
cause central nervous system effects including
dizziness, headache, or insomnia. More severe
side effects may include damage to muscle tissue,
tendons, and joints.
Dr Prabhjot Gill
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CD What are the problems with overprescribing
antibiotics?
Dr Prabhjot Gill The Centers for Disease Control
(CDC) estimates that up to one-third of
antibiotics prescribed are unnecessary treatment.
This translates to roughly 47 million patients
being put at unneeded risk of side effects or
allergic reactions from antibiotics they dont
really need. Overprescribing of antibiotics can
lead to bacterial organisms becoming resistant to
them. As this resistance increases, we see higher
doses or other stronger antibiotics being used to
treat infections previously treatable with older,
lower cost antibiotics.
Dr Prabhjot Gill
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CD Why do doctors often prescribe antibiotics
unnecessarily? Dr Prabhjot Gill There are a
number of reasons antibiotics are prescribed
unnecessarily. Many patients just expect to
receive a prescription for an antibiotic and are
dissatisfied when they dont get one. Sometimes
there is uncertainty as to the diagnosis of the
illness. Sometimes a prescriber will prescribe an
antibiotic to save time rather than wait for
diagnostic lab tests. CD When is it clear that
antibiotics are truly necessary? Dr Prabhjot
Gill Diagnostic lab tests are the best way to
determine if an antibiotic is needed. A positive
test for strep throat is a clear indicator of a
need for an antibiotic. The presence of bacteria
in the urine as determined by a lab test is
another good indicator.
Dr Prabhjot Gill
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CD What kind of conversation should you have
with your doctor when they prescribe
antibiotics? Dr Prabhjot Gill You should ask
your doctor or healthcare provider if the
antibiotic is really needed. Ask if your
infection is a bacterial or viral infection which
would not respond to an antibiotic. Discuss the
risk of not receiving the antibiotic as well as
risks of side effects or adverse drug reactions
if you do take an antibiotic.
Dr Prabhjot Gill