Comments for consumers
This page/column contains information which may be of interest to consumers. The information is based on articles which appear in Australian Prescriber. As Australian Prescriber is written for health professionals, you should discuss any issues raised by this page/column with your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to give a more detailed answer to your questions by reading the main article.
Australian Prescriber is unable to comment on individual cases or give second opinions.
Australian Prescriber Vol. 22 No. 2 1999
Pneumonia in the Nineties
Pneumonia is a common cause of death, particularly in elderly patients. Many people have to be admitted to hospital for treatment of this chest infection.
Several different kinds of bacteria can cause pneumonia; however, a cause is not identified in many cases. The treatment usually involves antibiotics to kill the bacteria. Unfortunately, some bacteria are becoming resistant; the antibiotics can no longer kill them.
One of the reasons for bacteria becoming resistant is the overuse of antibiotics. If our community takes too many antibiotics, they lose their effectiveness. To help prevent this problem, antibiotics should only be used sparingly. Antibiotics do not work against the viruses that cause colds and flu. They should not be taken routinely for these common infections. If an antibiotic is prescribed, the full course should be completed unless side effects occur.
