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Are antibiotics necessary for a cold, and how to check for antibiotic resistance?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 32-year-old male. I experienced tooth pain recently and was prescribed antibiotics. After completing the course, I was given antibiotics again for recovery. A week later, I developed a severe cold and cough, and once more, I was advised the same antibiotic. I am concerned about whether this is necessary. How can I determine if I have developed antibiotic resistance? What precautions can I take to avoid it? Is it appropriate to use antibiotics for a common cold?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Shubadeep Debabrata Sinha

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shubadeep Debabrata Sinha is a highly experienced Family Physician with over two decades of clinical practice. He specializes in comprehensive family health care, including diabetes management and infectious diseases, offering holistic and personalized treatment plans. He is currently practicing at Sinhaz Clinics & Tenet Diagnostics in Hyderabad.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern.

To provide accurate advice, please send the prescriptions. Various infections require different antibiotics. Check resistance patterns through lab tests for accurate antibiotic selection. Common cold, being viral, does not require antibiotics. Antibiotics are effective in bacterial respiratory infections.

I hope this helps.

Please revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At March 1, 2024
Reviewed At March 1, 2024

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shubadeep Debabrata Sinha is a highly experienced Family Physician with over two decades of clinical practice. He specializes in comprehensive family health care, including diabetes management and infectious diseases, offering holistic and personalized treatment plans. He is currently practicing at Sinhaz Clinics & Tenet Diagnostics in Hyderabad.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shubadeep Debabrata Sinha is a highly experienced Family Physician with over two decades of clinical practice. He specializes in comprehensive family health care, including diabetes management and infectious diseases, offering holistic and personalized treatment plans. He is currently practicing at Sinhaz Clinics & Tenet Diagnostics in Hyderabad.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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