Sick Son for a Month! Drs and Antibiotics Wth!

Hasn't your doctor done any cultures on your son's throat etc. to see if this is bacterial? If he has, and it it is bacterial, then antibiotics can help; however, if this is viral -- and it sounds like it might be, or even an allergy (yes, they can cause just those symptoms), then antibiotics will do nothing and you will continue to be frustrated.

There are virulent colds going on around here where kids, and adults, have these same symptoms for three weeks, a month, even six weeks. A cold won't be affected by an antibiotic and neither will a viral infection. Allergies certainly won't. It's hard to see a child as young as yours going through this, but getting the wrong treatment won't help him, or ease your frustrations.

I know it's not what you want to hear but -- these symptoms going on for a month does not translate immediately into something for which your son needs antibiotics. I'm kind of surprised the doctor agreed to give them if he or she was sure this is viral.

I would go to the doctor; say you were very frustrated, and ask if there is a test that can help you understand if this is viral or bacterial. Then go from there regarding treatment. If antibiotics are appropriate, great, but if they are not, please don't insist on them just to feel that the doctor is "doing something."

The trouble with antibiotics is that it interferes with the good bacteria in your digestive system. That is why, after a round of antibiotics, children generally have diarrhea - the bacteria that helps them digest food - particularly dairy - was killed off by the antibiotics.

If he's on a steroid, and has itchy eyes and it's been a month, my first guess would be allergies. Even if it IS a nasty cold, the antibiotics won't help a virus. They probably gave him the antibiotics, to make YOU feel better, unless he has a secondary sinus or ear infection, in which case, antibiotcs were necessary.

The yellow/green runny nose thing is NOT a reliable sign of infection, by the way. It is just a sign that your body has been fighting for a while.

I try to avoid antibiotics as much as possible to avoid weakening my child's immune system. I have two children and I use Chinese Medicine. They see an acupuncturist and herbalist who has given them amazing treatments; cupping, massage, acupuncture and herbs. The herbs are natural and work as strong as an antibiotic. The key is to understand your child's illness. Children's coughs tend to last longer since their immune system is not fully developed. Avoid any dairy products, sugars and fatty foods and keep their digestive system strong. Give him lots of water and soups, include radish in the soups it helps with cough. Asian pears are also very good for cough. Then try giving him honey which helps with cough. Finally listen to his lungs, if they are not wheezing then that is a good sign. Prop him up at night to help him breath better. If he is coughing up mucus this is a very good thing. His body is trying to get rid of the gunk inside his lungs. I personally use a nasal pump to help clear my child's mucus, which helps a lot. Seek an acupuncturist that treats children to help your son’s illness. I go to Tao of Wellness and they see many children and help me better understand what exactly is going on with my child's cough and keep them strong and healthy.

The doctors don't like to give abx for a viral infection because it doesn't help! The only thing you do by over-prescribing ABX when they are not needed is to breed resistance!
Green and yellow snot does not equal bacterial infection! That is an old wives tale and your doc knows that.
Instead of having caved to your demands your doctor should have taken a sample and send it to a lab for culture... it takes only a day or two and then you would know whether ABX are truly indicated.
One main reason ABX overuse is so rampant in this country is because of doctors who prescribe them to make the parent feel better...

Our son has chronic sinus infections - the rule of thumb from our ENT is if he is still sympomatic after 10 days, they culture his boogers, (gross, I know), to see if bacteria grows and then put him on a round of antibiotics-they prescribe a certain antib based on the type of bacteria grows. They are VERY cautious about over prescribing antib's, and I'm all for that, but you're correct-a month is way to long to be miserable - yes some SI's, clear themselves, but a month is ridicoulous.

don't second guess yourself. you made a decision, and it might help. I doubt it will hurt. I would be sure your child is getting a probiotic now daily. Choose a good one. If he likes yogurt, now is a good time to give it to him/her, as it has natural probiotics. That will protect his little digestive track from the antibiotics right now, and is good in general to build immunity.

Whether it is allergies or virus, a good vitamin may help build the babies immune system to fend this off, and fend off future illnesses. Do your research and choose a good product. I believe in supplementing daily.

Yes, you made the right decision. My twins have had the cough for a month. I took them in at the beginning and the doc said give them Mucinex. Fine. Two weeks later my daughter said her ear hurt so I took them both in . No ear infection. Mucinex. On weds her cough got so bad she couldn't even stop for a minute. Finally got an antibiotic for a sinus infection, took one dose at 2pm at 6pm she had a 104.5 fever. I guess she did need the antibiotic. Four days later we were back at the doc for her brother. Seriously, I understand. I know they can't give meds without fever etc but after a month it is pretty frustrating. Hang in there=0)

I agree with Adriana, you must know the cause. Antibiotics is not the answers. When my son has cough, I usually do the pressure point with my pointer finger on his left chest( from his side) and give him milk afterwards. One time, he coughed all the mucous, and it really helps. You know you press/ poke on the right spot if he looks in pain or squirmy. It will be painful at firts, but it will gradually get better. Get well little one:)