How fast do antibiotics ease cough from bronchial asthma?

Question

Hi doctor,

My son is 11 years old. He weighs 48.50 pounds. He has an asthmatic cough problem. The pediatrician usually gives him an antibiotic for 10 to 12 days and still if the cough persists he will extend the antibiotic for another two to three days. When the cough remains an issue, he gives Azithromycin 300 mg a day for six days. He says that antibiotics can be given for a month and in special conditions like TB it can be given for six months.

My question is, is there any side effect on continuous antibiotic usage for 15 to 20 days? He also prescribed Betnelan (Betamethasone) one tablet daily for six to eight days. Is it fine to give?

Kindly guide.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Antibiotics would help only in case of infection. Antibiotics have a role in initial acute exacerbation; otherwise, they do not. If he has a fever, then we need to give him antibiotics. Bronchial asthma requires treatment with antihistaminic drugs and bronchodilators. By giving Betnelan (Betamethasone), you are complicating the issues of your child. Betamethasone is a steroid, and we give steroids only in emergent situations. The steroids are very harmful and would cause weight gain in your child and make him dependent. Give him appropriate treatment under the guidance of your doctor.

For further queries, please feel free to consult me.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

No, you should not stop Betamethasone immediately. It should be gradually tapered and stopped. You should make sure that antibiotics are not given unnecessarily, as every medicine has its own side effects.

If you have further queries, please feel free to consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.