Antibiotics for cough are given to coughs caused by bacterial infections. This type of drug should not be taken carelessly and must be based on a doctor's prescription. The reason is, improper use can cause bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics.
Basically, coughing is the body's natural reaction to clear the throat or respiratory tract of foreign objects. Most coughs will go away on their own without the need for medication. But if your cough is caused by a bacterial infection, then you need antibiotics.
Consumption of Antibiotics for Cough Properly Before taking antibiotics, you should consult a doctor. If the results of the examination show that the cause of the cough leads to a bacterial infection, the doctor will prescribe the most appropriate antibiotic for your condition.
Antibiotics have the main function of killing or inhibiting the growth of bacteria. Antibiotics for coughs are generally taken for approximately 1 week. However, in certain types of drugs and conditions, antibiotics can be taken for a shorter or longer period of time.
In addition to antibiotics, the doctor may also give additional cough medicines according to the type of cough, for example medicines that can facilitate the discharge of phlegm (expectorants) for coughing up phlegm, or medicines to suppress the appearance of coughs (antitussives) for annoying dry coughs.
Considering the Risk of Side Effects of Antibiotics
The use of antibiotics must be done carefully, because they can cause side effects that will actually harm your body. In addition, consuming too many antibiotics can also trigger bacterial immunity to antibiotics.
As a result, because the bacteria are already resistant, then the antibiotics you take in the future are no longer effective against these bacteria. In addition, antibiotics can cause side effects and negative reactions that can occur when used in conjunction with other drugs.
Below are some of the possible side effects of taking antibiotics:
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach bloating, nausea, and vomiting
- Stomach ache and diarrhea
- Allergic reactions, such as shortness of breath, wheezing, or a rash on the skin
Simple Ways to Treat Cough at Home
In addition to using drugs, coughs can also be treated with home remedies. Some of these are simple ways to treat cough:
- Drink enough water
- Gargle with salt water regularly
- Avoid exposure to dust that causes throat irritation
- Sleep with an extra pillow for a higher head position
- Drink tea with honey and ginger to soothe the throat
Cough that lasts more than 2 weeks should not be taken lightly and should be checked by a doctor immediately. Similarly, if the cough is accompanied by fever, shortness of breath, headache, chest pain, and coughing up blood. It could be a sign of a serious health condition.
Always consult a doctor before taking antibiotics for cough and take antibiotic treatment as recommended by the doctor. The thing to remember also is to make sure to take antibiotics until they run out to prevent a return of the infection which has the potential to cause symptoms that are more severe than the initial condition.