ANTIBIOTICS - When should they be used?

The first medically accepted antibiotic was penicillin, introduced in 1941.  Prior to this discover, between 1850 and 1940 the world had seen a 90% decline in deaths attributable to scarlet fever, diptheria, whooping cough and measles due primarily to improved living standards.  society had made advances in controlling infectious diseases through improved sanitation, nutrition, and hygiene.  Unfortunately many of us have been led to believe that antibiotics and vaccines were solely responsible for the demise of these epidemic diseases.


At this time of its introduction, penicillin was indeed a great benefit, reducing the devastation caused by bacterial pneumonia, kidney infections, sepsis & meningitis.  But penicillin was not without serious side effects. Over time, allergic reactions to penicillin were recognized as a serious problem and its use became more restrained.  Other forms of penicillin have been developed since the 1960's and other antibiotics have been extracted from these moulds.


As the knowledge of chemicals grew, instead of extracting medicinal properties from nature and organic material, antibiotics were artificially synthesized in laboratories.  This was far cheaper and more efficient, and so began the use of synthesized chemical drugs.  With the explosive growth of the pharmaceutical industry during the twentieth century, a great variety of potentially toxic chemicals has become readily available for medicinal purposes.


Unfortunately, if one examines the standards and protocol for most clinical trials, they will be bitterly disappointed.  Even more alarming is the legislation that allows for this lack of public protection. Consumer awareness of the potentially damaging nature of these chemicals is also generally negligible.  Most of us are unaware that following exposure to a drug, we are not only at risk of the adverse effects of this particular drug, but also of other chemicals which may be formed. This occurs via chemical reactions which take place in the body.


Pharmaceutical companies are in the business of making and selling  chemicals that appear to eliminate health problems.  Significant revenue is invested each year to promote their products, with emphasis on the perceived benefits.  However, little mention is given to the risks involved for the consumer.


 Gaining knowledge of these chemicals empowers us to question the authenticity and safety of these prescription and over-the-counter drugs, and may enable us to protect our family's health! Please use careful consideration for you and your family when advised to take antibiotics and/or commonplace drugs.

Here are some other reasons to be cautious about frequently using antibiotics...

1) BACTERIAL RESISTANCE - when on antibiotic is given, a host of bacteria will become resistant to that drug.  When more antibiotics are taken, the bacteria are now stronger and able to resist subsequent drugs.  WIth each prescription, our natural immunity is progressively weakened.

2)  DECREASING NATURAL IMMUNITY AND INCREASING RELIANCE ON DRUGS - a frequent antibiotic used will require stronger and stronger antibiotics to fight these super bugs.  The cycle then continues until their immunity is so low that they have an array of health problems.  The digestive system houses the largest part of a child's immune system (~60%).  When we take antibiotics, we eliminate the naturally occurring bacteria of our body that is essential for a strong immunity.  In doing so, our body is left vulnerable to pathogenic organisms which produce disease. After a course of antibiotics, a common and notorious organism to re-inhabit the body is Candida Albicans (aka "thrush" or "yeast infection").  The toxins released by the yeast affect 3 systems: the hormonal and endocrine system, the immune system, and the central nervous system.  The resulting symptoms can be varied, and present on an array of health challenges.  Candida is simply a bacterial imbalance which then lads to a yeast infection.  Some common symptoms that may indicate Candida in children include: recurrent ear infections, abdominal bloating, constipation, diarrhea, thrush or bladder infections, food sensitivities, learning & behavioral problems, skin problems (eczema or hives), athletes food or nail infections, frequent diaper rash or colic, fatigue, headaches, mood swings, anxiety, depression, sensitivities to perfume/cigarettes/ or fabric odors. 

3)  ANTIBIOTICS MAY INCREASE DEVELOPMENTAL DELAY & AUTISM - A study by the Developmental Delay Registry has found disturbing links between antibiotic use and possible brain damage.  The more antibiotics children had taken the more prone they were to suffering from a learning disability.  No particular antibiotic was discussed, but Augmentin and Ceclor have been previously linked with autism, following 3 or more doses of these broad-spectrum antibiotics

So when should antibiotics be used? 

Antibiotics can be highly beneficial when used in an appropriate manner.  Our concern should be the blatant over-prescription of antibiotics and the ramifications for our child's immunity.  Antibiotics are powerful medicines that should only be reserved for situations that demand them- for instance, when the immune system cannot contain a bacterial infection, or when an infection may establish itself in a vital organ such as the lungs or brain.  There is a time and a place for medicine, but that does not include the use of antibiotics for minor childhood ailments.