Table of contents:
- Antibiotic drugs for asthma can make hospitalization longer
- Recognize the dangers of continuous antibiotic consumption
- So, can you still take antibiotics during asthma?
Asthma is an inflammation of the airways that makes it difficult for air to enter the lungs. One of the most important symptoms of asthma is shortness of breath. Many people with asthma need to be hospitalized because they have a severe asthma attack. In the treatment of asthma in hospitals, antibiotics are often prescribed to treat asthma. However, did you know that carelessly consuming antibiotics for people with asthma can actually cause a longer recovery time?
Antibiotic drugs for asthma can make hospitalization longer
According to a study presented by the American Thoracic Society, many hospitals are prescribing antibiotics for asthma patients even though there are no symptoms of any infection. This can make asthma patients have to undergo a longer hospitalization period, and of course, more costs are incurred for treatment.
Other research conducted by Professor Mihaela S. Stefan from the University of Massachusetts Medical School, Massachusetts, United States also said the same thing. Based on the results of these studies, adults with asthma should not need to be prescribed antibiotics for treatment while they are hospitalized.
In this research, dr. Stefan and his colleagues enrolled 22,000 adult patients who were hospitalized for asthma during the year. Asthma patients who received systemic corticosteroid drugs were included in the study, while asthma patients who needed antibiotics because they had symptoms of sinus infection, bronchitis, or pneumonia were not included in the list.
It was found that adult patients who received antibiotics during the first two days of hospitalization had a longer stay than patients who were not given antibiotics at the time of hospitalization. Meanwhile, the risk of failure of treatment between the two groups of patients who were given or not given antibiotics was the same and there was no difference.
The conclusion from dr. Stefan is an adult who was hospitalized for asthma. No need to be given antibiotics if there are no symptoms of infection in the lungs at all.
Several studies have examined the benefits of antibiotics for asthma patients. However, the benefits of antibiotics for asthma patients without infection still require further research.
Recognize the dangers of continuous antibiotic consumption
Not only for people with asthma, antibiotics also have their own side effects if taken for a long time.
A study contained in British Medical Journal, said that health experts do not recommend that you take antibiotics for too long. This of course also applies to people with asthma, especially if there is no accompanying infection.
Taking antibiotics in the long term can cause the body to develop resistance or immunity to antibiotics.
It's a good idea to always actively ask your doctor about what drugs are prescribed for your condition. This is also no exception about antibiotics for the asthma condition you suffer from.
Ask how long you have to take the antibiotic and whether it should run out. Generally, antibiotics must be spent. However, this will depend on the history and health conditions of each.
So, can you still take antibiotics during asthma?
Of course you can still take antibiotics. However, of course, with a note that your condition can only be treated with antibiotics. This means that your asthma condition is exacerbated by bacterial infections, such as pneumonia.
If striking asthma is accompanied by another viral infection, antibiotics will not help. You also generally don't need antibiotics for asthma, which triggers the form of dust, allergies, or other non-infectious conditions.
Also make sure you don't take antibiotics carelessly. This medicine must be prescribed by a doctor. That way, the dosage has been adjusted accordingly by your doctor and pharmacist. New antibiotics will cause health problems if they are used inappropriately.
So, you don't need to be afraid of taking antibiotics as long as you take them as needed. Also make sure you are disciplined in drinking by obeying the rules of the doctor and pharmacist.