Should You Take Antibiotics For A Cold?

A study reported in the journal Lancet of 2,547 adults with clinical signs and symptoms of rhinosinusitis (nasal discharge, discomfort in the cheeks and/or face, cough, cold) looked at how many of these patients were prescribed antibiotics after seven days of symptoms.

The basis of the study was the concept that antibiotics are effective against bacterial infections, but not against viral infections.  It was unclear whether the doctors could distinguish the cause of the upper respiratory infections, but still 80% of the patients were given a prescription for antibiotics.

The Centers for Disease Control maintains that "colds, flu, most sore throats and bronchitis are caused by viruses.  Not only will antibiotics not help fight viruses, but, if taken unnecessarily, they can increase the risk of later getting an infection that resists antibiotic treatment."

The conclusion of the study was that, in general, adults with upper respiratory tract infections should not be prescribed antibiotics regardless of their symptoms.

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc.,
Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics
(661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com
5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Antibiotic Failure in Obese Patients

Obesity rates are rising, and the epidemic is associated with increased rates of heart disease, certain cancers, and diabetes.  Obese patients have higher rates of infection and therefore more frequent use of antibacterial medications.

Antibiotic Failure

A recent study in Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf analyzed 6,179 patients to see if obese patients had higher rates of antibiotic failure than non-obese patients.  The authors took several factors into account: BMI category (overweight or obese), comorbidities, lifestyle factors (smoking and drinking), time of year (such as "flu season"), MRSA, history of antibiotic use, age, sex, and income.  They noted "first" the antibiotic prescription as a baseline and subsequent additional or modified antibiotic prescriptions or hospitalizations.
Of the study participants, 828 (13.4%) had an ATF (antibiotic failure) event during the follow-up period, of which 807 (97%) required additional prescriptions or modifications in antibiotic regimens, and 21 (3%) resulted in hospital admissions, readmissions, or death from an infectious cause.

Of the 828 patients who experienced ATF, nearly 64% were either overweight or obese.  Obese patients were significantly more likely than non-obese to have ATF.

For more information, see: www.empr.com

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309