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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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3 Year Old, Cough, Fever. Taking Antibiotics. Suggestions?

My son is having a cough, catarrh and fever. HE just completed an anitbiotics (broad spectrum - augmenten)dose barely weeks ago as he was treated for boil around April 14th 2013 and He is 3yrs and six month old. Could it be possible that he has a bacteiral infection again when it is just barely 2weeks when he finished the antibiotics dose. The doctor still insist he should be placed him on antibiotic again. I'm scared to place him again on antibiotics and it seems every month for the past nine months he has been on antibiotics for a child of that age mainly for recurrent enlarged tonsils. What do I do?
Thu, 9 May 2013
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic

Your concern about his frequent anti biotic use because overuse of antibiotics can result in resistance to the medication so that if he needs antibiotics in the future they may not be effective.
Most coughs and colds in children are viral. It may take up to 6 weeks for a cough to resolve (my 2 yr old son had a cough and cold for 2 mths ) and at your son's age ,they can have 10 colds a year.This means he can have a cold almost every month, this is because his immune system is now building.

Fever in viral illnesses can last up to 3 to 4 days , rarely longer.

If the present cold is potentially simple viral illness then you can consider using symptomatic treatment such as cough syrups, fluids, paracetamol and rest. Normally the symptoms get worse about day 3 to 4 then start to plateau- he should start to improve on activity and eating.

I hope this helps
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3 Year Old, Cough, Fever. Taking Antibiotics. Suggestions?

Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic Your concern about his frequent anti biotic use because overuse of antibiotics can result in resistance to the medication so that if he needs antibiotics in the future they may not be effective. Most coughs and colds in children are viral. It may take up to 6 weeks for a cough to resolve (my 2 yr old son had a cough and cold for 2 mths ) and at your son s age ,they can have 10 colds a year.This means he can have a cold almost every month, this is because his immune system is now building. Fever in viral illnesses can last up to 3 to 4 days , rarely longer. If the present cold is potentially simple viral illness then you can consider using symptomatic treatment such as cough syrups, fluids, paracetamol and rest. Normally the symptoms get worse about day 3 to 4 then start to plateau- he should start to improve on activity and eating. I hope this helps