Pediatrician Questions Antibiotics

When should a child be given antibiotics for cough?

My child is 3 years old and goes to school. He often gets infected with a cold and cough. Sometimes the cough is normal while often it is accompanied by a fever. When is the right time to give my child antibiotics?

4 Answers

When there is a bacterial infection. Viruses may cause fever and cough.If it is due to mycoplasma sinusitis or focal pneumonia these respond to antibiotics.
That is a difficult question to answer. It is based mostly on the exam and history. For the most part, a cough with no other symptoms, does not need antibiotics. If it worsens after 1-2 weeks and there is fever, then it may need antibiotics. Every case is different so you need to speak to your MD.
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Antibiotics should not be given for cough unless there is X-ray documentation of pneumonia or bacterial infection.
Never unless a bacterial or fungal infection is diagnosed. Some coughs are due to allergies or viruses, so antibiotics will not work.