Self medicating with antibiotics?

[miss.barboza]

About 1 week ago I got a bit of a cough, which actually went away with some pills. Unfortunately when I stopped taking the pills it came back, got much worse, a few days later I had a fever, and then also came sneezing, having to blowing my nose constantly and even having some problems with my bowels.

I tried taking paracetamol and some more cough pills but it hasnt helped at all and I suspect I might have a chest infection. I would love to just go see a doctor and get a professional opinion but Im actually traveling right now and not only do I not speak the local language but the doctors here tend to take advantage of people and charge them for things they dont need...

Luckily Antibiotics are available over the counter here, but would it be a good idea to take these in this situation?? To be honest I dont really know anything about medicines and so on, so am a bit nervous to decide anything like this by myself.

 

[Tiya]

If it is not actually an infection, antibiotics will do no good. Also you may be allergic or react to an antibiotic. this could very well be viral. I would probably go for some natural approaches such as buying zinc or zinc lozenges and echinacea/goldenseal for short term use.

also, obvioulsy make sure you are drinking lot's of water. Hot tea is also good for upper respiratory problems. Rest is really important as well. - Try to get at least 8hrs, even if that means going to bed early.

 

[lacostelover]

Dan, Non-professionals who medicate themselves are lending themselves to a whole lot of self inflicted trouble. Especially with prescription drugs. I'm not referring to vitamin C, or concentrated garlic, or the multitude of health foods that tongue-in-cheek sort of promise relief for God knows what aches and pains. Go ahead, everybody else does. But when it comes to self medicating yourself with the chemical concoctions that a registered pharmacist will give you; here caution is the word of the day. Sudden violent reaction to certain medications (anaphylactic response) can really do some serious damage. Even kill you. With legitimate meds, go to and trust your physician. With health foods go with whatever common sense tells you. Even here, however, caution is strongly advised. The stuff is known to combine and become toxic. Good luck, Mike

 

[Seth ☺☺☺☺]

Dan, Until you know whether this illness is viral or bacterial, I'd suggest against self-medicating with antibiotics. In addition, specific bacteria are either resistant or sensitive to certain antibiotics (even so-called broad spectrum antibiotics), so it is better to know exactly what you are treating. Since you are traveling, I'd avoid purchasing and taking this from an over-the-counter vendor (no matter how convenient it may seem to be). Continue to treat this conservatively, with clear fluids and plenty of rest. If, after taking Panadol, and your fever continues, it might be worth considering seeking some local medical advice.

Good luck-and I hope you feel better, soon.