antibiotics

Acute cough is one of the most common complaints prompting patient visits to their GP and antibiotics are more frequently prescribed for those suffering acute cough with discolored phlegm.

Antibiotics do little to ease acute cough
But recent research by the Cardiff University has revealed that prescribing antibiotics for patients with acute cough which produces green or yellow phlegm has little or no effect on relieving its symptoms or speeding recovery.

To celebrate five decades of medical achievements, a poll was carried ahead of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh's (RCPE) 50th St Andrew's Day Festival Symposium.

For the purpose of the survey, 650 doctors throughout Scotland, the UK and internationally were questioned.

Findings of the survey
The survey revealed that antibiotics topped the list followed by vaccination against infectious diseases which claimed the second place. Close on the heels came imaging developments such as CT and MRI scanning.

Viral infections, like cold and flu-like illnesses, characterized by a fit of coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath, have long been known to cause asthma in kids and adults.

According to the study, bacteria could be responsible for triggering asthma attacks in children who have never experienced them before, and may exacerbate the immune response in children already suffering from asthma.

The findings, published in the Oct. 4 issue of ‘British Medical Journal,’ could pave the way for a new treatment for asthmatic children, researchers believe.