| Warning Against Antibiotics for Runny Noses -
25-07-2006, 01:33 AM
New research shows antibiotics should not be given to patients with a common symptom of a cold -- acute purulent rhinitis (runny nose with colored discharge).
New Zealand researchers analyzed data from seven previous studies on both the benefits and risks of antibiotics. They found the drugs may be beneficial for acute purulent rhinitis. The main side effects were vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In some patients, antibiotics also caused rashes and hyperactivity. Results also show there were no serious problems in the placebo arm in any of the studies, which goes along with the medical view that this is not a serious condition.
Researchers say since there is concern about overuse of antibiotics leading to bacterial resistance, it is important to determine whether the drugs are effective in patients with purulent rhinitis.
"Antibiotics are probably effective for acute purulent rhinitis," researchers conclude. "They can cause harm, usually in the form of gastrointestinal effects. Most patients will get better without antibiotics, supporting the current 'no antibiotic as first line' advice."
Dr. Suvash Shrestha, Intern
Kathmandu Medical College
Last edited by Angel : 25-07-2006 at 07:19 PM.
Reason: remove the word "source" from byline, edit first line of the news and remove last paragraph indicating invanhoe chek out the difference.
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