Children - To Give or Not To Give, That is The Question at Hand

More and more evidence is continuing to mount against the harmful effects of over utilization of antibiotics in medical offices throughout North America: in particular, the offices of family doctors and pediatricians. One of the biggest abuses of anti-biotic therapy (E.g. penicillin) comes with the treatment of the "common cold." Studies are showing a dramatic increase in penicillin-resisted bacteria such as streptococcus pneumonia. The number is especially high in children who attend child-care facilities. Even though viruses cause many colds, doctors continue to prescribe antibiotics, which are designed to destroy bacteria rather than viruses. Essentially, the antibiotics are inappropriate and ineffective in these circumstances.

So why do medical doctors continue to prescribe antibiotics? Studies are showing the parents "expect" doctors to prescribe something. The "antibiotics" will at least appease the parents who view their child as "suffering." By prescribing antibiotics, doctors are simply trying to appease parents. Various studies have been conducted to try to determine if educating both parents and medical doctors on the deleterious effects of anti-biotic abuse will decrease the problem. Unfortunately, pamphlets, videos, printed materials and continuing educational conferences have done little change the attitudes of doctors and parents alike.

Recent trends by some conservative health practitioners to prescribe probiotics in combination with antibiotics, decreases the negative effects somewhat. Probiotics therapy decreases the chance of harmful bacteria from thriving, especially in the gastro-intestinal system. More importantly, we as the consumers of Health Care," need to be more aware of these studies. We also need to concentrate more on prevention rather than reaction. We should try to maximize our bodies' immune system with particular care to proper diet, exercise and chiropractic care. Bottom line…if your child has the sniffles, you may be better off just letting the cold run its natural course.

The chiropractic adjustment may be one method of maximizing your bodies' natural defenses. Recent studies done in the area of psychoneuroendocrinimmunology are showing that after an adjustment, there is an increase in one of the white blood cell types called the CD4. Part of the responsibility of this cell is to fight off any infection be it viral or bacterial. This type of care may be a safe non-drug therapy or alternative for the common cold. We will keep you posted on future research in this area.