Coughing is not an independent disease, it is a reaction of the body to viruses or bacteria that attack the tracheobronchial tree. It can also clear the airways of mucus, sputum, dust, and other foreign bodies that enter the larynx. The treatment of this “ailment” depends on the nature of its occurrence: in some cases, folk remedies are sufficient, in more complex cases antibiotics for coughing are prescribed for adults, and sometimes children.
In what cases are antibiotics prescribed?
As mentioned above, the cause of coughing can be both a virus and mechanical damage to the larynx or trachea (for example, screaming). In the second option, taking an antibiotic for coughing is absolutely pointless. In these cases, natural-based emollients are used (candy, milk with honey, herbal teas). Strong drugs not only do not bring the expected relief, but can also be harmful to the liver, stomach and other organs, cause dysbiosis and allergic reactions. Thus, it becomes clear that taking an antibiotic for coughing is necessary only if the cause of its occurrence is damage to the respiratory tract by viruses and bacteria. Tracheitis, pneumonia, pleurisy, bronchitis - this is not the whole list of respiratory diseases with bacterial flora. Often, only an analysis can determine the nature of the cough.
Treatment: antibiotics and their classification
When prescribing antibiotics for coughing, doctors first of all determine the susceptibility of pathological microorganisms to their composition.
According to this factor, drugs are divided into several main groups:
- Aminopecillins cause the death of microorganisms by the destruction of their cell walls.
- Tetracyclines inhibit protein synthesis, thus stopping the development of pathogenic bacteria.
- Macrolides stop the formation of proteins in the bacteria themselves, in their cells.
- Fluoroquinols block the process of DNA formation of microorganisms, which leads to their further death.
As mentioned above, a cough antibiotic is prescribed only after analysis of the bacterial flora. What to do if for some reason it is impossible to make it? In such cases, the patient is prescribed a broad spectrum cough antibiotic. But in any case, after such therapy, it is necessary to take a course to restore the microflora of the body.
The form of antibiotics, their pros and cons
Antibiotics are available in several dosage forms, each of which has its drawbacks and advantages.
- Pills are an absolutely painless and convenient method of treatment, but they are not suitable for people with gastrointestinal problems and are problematic in the accuracy of the dosage.
- Syrups are extremely convenient in the treatment of children, but again affect the digestive tract.
- Solutions - are administered in the form of injections, which brings some discomfort, but they are quick-acting and effective.
Antibiotics are also available in the form of suppositories, drops, aerosols, ointments and liniment, but these forms are not intended to treat cough. It is important to understand that antibiotics are quite powerful drugs with a cumulative effect, and its residual effects can be in the body for a long time. That is why they should be taken only as prescribed by the doctor.