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Hi There, I Have An 18 Month Old Who Has
Question: Hi there,
I have an 18 month old who has been really sick the past 2 days (fevers of 39+, non-stop crying, very sleepy, no eating and very little drinking) and long story short after three doctors trips she was prescribed Augmentin, as they had initially suspected it was a viral infection so took the "wait and see approach" which I was happy with. So grateful we got the antibiotics because it has started working and she is starting to relax and be more like herself. I feel so guilty though, like I have somehow let her down...
My question relates to the "culture" of antibiotics are so bad amongst parents, and I understand the reason why antibiotics should only be used if necessary but I want to understand how damaging it can be for my daughters microbiome, and what I can do to compensate or "catch up" to get her back to fighting fit over the next few months? I feel so guilty like giving this means something mysterious will happen that is non-recoverable (akin to a child being scared of monsters under their bed). My daughter is a twin and so when one gets sick, the other shortly follows so I want to do my best in keeping their immunity as strong as possible (understand it is normal to get sick whilst building immunity).
Look forward to hearing from you
Claire
I have an 18 month old who has been really sick the past 2 days (fevers of 39+, non-stop crying, very sleepy, no eating and very little drinking) and long story short after three doctors trips she was prescribed Augmentin, as they had initially suspected it was a viral infection so took the "wait and see approach" which I was happy with. So grateful we got the antibiotics because it has started working and she is starting to relax and be more like herself. I feel so guilty though, like I have somehow let her down...
My question relates to the "culture" of antibiotics are so bad amongst parents, and I understand the reason why antibiotics should only be used if necessary but I want to understand how damaging it can be for my daughters microbiome, and what I can do to compensate or "catch up" to get her back to fighting fit over the next few months? I feel so guilty like giving this means something mysterious will happen that is non-recoverable (akin to a child being scared of monsters under their bed). My daughter is a twin and so when one gets sick, the other shortly follows so I want to do my best in keeping their immunity as strong as possible (understand it is normal to get sick whilst building immunity).
Look forward to hearing from you
Claire
Hi there,
I have an 18 month old who has been really sick the past 2 days (fevers of 39+, non-stop crying, very sleepy, no eating and very little drinking) and long story short after three doctors trips she was prescribed Augmentin, as they had initially suspected it was a viral infection so took the "wait and see approach" which I was happy with. So grateful we got the antibiotics because it has started working and she is starting to relax and be more like herself. I feel so guilty though, like I have somehow let her down...
My question relates to the "culture" of antibiotics are so bad amongst parents, and I understand the reason why antibiotics should only be used if necessary but I want to understand how damaging it can be for my daughters microbiome, and what I can do to compensate or "catch up" to get her back to fighting fit over the next few months? I feel so guilty like giving this means something mysterious will happen that is non-recoverable (akin to a child being scared of monsters under their bed). My daughter is a twin and so when one gets sick, the other shortly follows so I want to do my best in keeping their immunity as strong as possible (understand it is normal to get sick whilst building immunity).
Look forward to hearing from you
Claire
I have an 18 month old who has been really sick the past 2 days (fevers of 39+, non-stop crying, very sleepy, no eating and very little drinking) and long story short after three doctors trips she was prescribed Augmentin, as they had initially suspected it was a viral infection so took the "wait and see approach" which I was happy with. So grateful we got the antibiotics because it has started working and she is starting to relax and be more like herself. I feel so guilty though, like I have somehow let her down...
My question relates to the "culture" of antibiotics are so bad amongst parents, and I understand the reason why antibiotics should only be used if necessary but I want to understand how damaging it can be for my daughters microbiome, and what I can do to compensate or "catch up" to get her back to fighting fit over the next few months? I feel so guilty like giving this means something mysterious will happen that is non-recoverable (akin to a child being scared of monsters under their bed). My daughter is a twin and so when one gets sick, the other shortly follows so I want to do my best in keeping their immunity as strong as possible (understand it is normal to get sick whilst building immunity).
Look forward to hearing from you
Claire
Brief Answer:
No need to be guilty
Detailed Answer:
Hi Clarie,
I have gone through your query in detail and understand your concern.
Your main concerns are:
1. About the damage caused by antibiotic to her microbiome
2. What can be done to compensate this
3. How to keep their immunity up.
I will answer one by one. But, before that, I would like to tell you clearly and confidently that, you and your doctor has followed the protocol, and done the right thing only- no need to feel guilty at all.
1. Damage caused by antibiotics to her:
Antibiotics are life saving drugs, has saved millions of lives so far, and continues to do the same. Our aim should be to avoid unnecessary course, but at the same time to give them without any delay when indicated, in full course. Antibiotics, as you mentioned may cause changes in the microbiome of our body, especially bowel. But, remember, this is only TEMPORARY. Body will revert this back to normal in a couple of weeks, once the antibiotics are discontinued. You have not done anything wrong to her.
2.What can be done to compensate for this?
As I mentioned, without any active intervention, body will restore this back its own. Anyhow, to hasten this, we can give probiotic preparations. This is not routinely needed, and I used to give only with prolonged(>7-10 days) or multiple antibiotic courses. In such cases, I occasionally give probiotics like Econorm sachet(saccharomyces) for 5 days. But, this is not needed following a single short course of antibiotic. You can discuss this with your doctor.
Giving food items rich in probiotics(eg Yogurt) is a better and natural way, and will be enough here.
3. What can be done to improve their immunity?
a)Ensure their vaccines are updated as recommended
b)A healthy diet is an important factor to keep immunity intact. Micro nutrients(vitamins and minerals) have a significant role. So include enough green leafy vegetables and fruits in diet. Nuts are also rich in micronutrients. Nuts are to be powdered and added while preparing feeds, and not to be given as such(risk of aspiration). If diet is deficient in these, I used to give a course of Zinc, Vitamin A and a multivitamin for children with repeated infections.
3) Keeping children away from other individuals/pets who are sick is also important.
Hope I have answered your query
Let me know if I can assist you further
Wishing for a faster recovery
No need to be guilty
Detailed Answer:
Hi Clarie,
I have gone through your query in detail and understand your concern.
Your main concerns are:
1. About the damage caused by antibiotic to her microbiome
2. What can be done to compensate this
3. How to keep their immunity up.
I will answer one by one. But, before that, I would like to tell you clearly and confidently that, you and your doctor has followed the protocol, and done the right thing only- no need to feel guilty at all.
1. Damage caused by antibiotics to her:
Antibiotics are life saving drugs, has saved millions of lives so far, and continues to do the same. Our aim should be to avoid unnecessary course, but at the same time to give them without any delay when indicated, in full course. Antibiotics, as you mentioned may cause changes in the microbiome of our body, especially bowel. But, remember, this is only TEMPORARY. Body will revert this back to normal in a couple of weeks, once the antibiotics are discontinued. You have not done anything wrong to her.
2.What can be done to compensate for this?
As I mentioned, without any active intervention, body will restore this back its own. Anyhow, to hasten this, we can give probiotic preparations. This is not routinely needed, and I used to give only with prolonged(>7-10 days) or multiple antibiotic courses. In such cases, I occasionally give probiotics like Econorm sachet(saccharomyces) for 5 days. But, this is not needed following a single short course of antibiotic. You can discuss this with your doctor.
Giving food items rich in probiotics(eg Yogurt) is a better and natural way, and will be enough here.
3. What can be done to improve their immunity?
a)Ensure their vaccines are updated as recommended
b)A healthy diet is an important factor to keep immunity intact. Micro nutrients(vitamins and minerals) have a significant role. So include enough green leafy vegetables and fruits in diet. Nuts are also rich in micronutrients. Nuts are to be powdered and added while preparing feeds, and not to be given as such(risk of aspiration). If diet is deficient in these, I used to give a course of Zinc, Vitamin A and a multivitamin for children with repeated infections.
3) Keeping children away from other individuals/pets who are sick is also important.
Hope I have answered your query
Let me know if I can assist you further
Wishing for a faster recovery
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Brief Answer:
No need to be guilty
Detailed Answer:
Hi Clarie,
I have gone through your query in detail and understand your concern.
Your main concerns are:
1. About the damage caused by antibiotic to her microbiome
2. What can be done to compensate this
3. How to keep their immunity up.
I will answer one by one. But, before that, I would like to tell you clearly and confidently that, you and your doctor has followed the protocol, and done the right thing only- no need to feel guilty at all.
1. Damage caused by antibiotics to her:
Antibiotics are life saving drugs, has saved millions of lives so far, and continues to do the same. Our aim should be to avoid unnecessary course, but at the same time to give them without any delay when indicated, in full course. Antibiotics, as you mentioned may cause changes in the microbiome of our body, especially bowel. But, remember, this is only TEMPORARY. Body will revert this back to normal in a couple of weeks, once the antibiotics are discontinued. You have not done anything wrong to her.
2.What can be done to compensate for this?
As I mentioned, without any active intervention, body will restore this back its own. Anyhow, to hasten this, we can give probiotic preparations. This is not routinely needed, and I used to give only with prolonged(>7-10 days) or multiple antibiotic courses. In such cases, I occasionally give probiotics like Econorm sachet(saccharomyces) for 5 days. But, this is not needed following a single short course of antibiotic. You can discuss this with your doctor.
Giving food items rich in probiotics(eg Yogurt) is a better and natural way, and will be enough here.
3. What can be done to improve their immunity?
a)Ensure their vaccines are updated as recommended
b)A healthy diet is an important factor to keep immunity intact. Micro nutrients(vitamins and minerals) have a significant role. So include enough green leafy vegetables and fruits in diet. Nuts are also rich in micronutrients. Nuts are to be powdered and added while preparing feeds, and not to be given as such(risk of aspiration). If diet is deficient in these, I used to give a course of Zinc, Vitamin A and a multivitamin for children with repeated infections.
3) Keeping children away from other individuals/pets who are sick is also important.
Hope I have answered your query
Let me know if I can assist you further
Wishing for a faster recovery
No need to be guilty
Detailed Answer:
Hi Clarie,
I have gone through your query in detail and understand your concern.
Your main concerns are:
1. About the damage caused by antibiotic to her microbiome
2. What can be done to compensate this
3. How to keep their immunity up.
I will answer one by one. But, before that, I would like to tell you clearly and confidently that, you and your doctor has followed the protocol, and done the right thing only- no need to feel guilty at all.
1. Damage caused by antibiotics to her:
Antibiotics are life saving drugs, has saved millions of lives so far, and continues to do the same. Our aim should be to avoid unnecessary course, but at the same time to give them without any delay when indicated, in full course. Antibiotics, as you mentioned may cause changes in the microbiome of our body, especially bowel. But, remember, this is only TEMPORARY. Body will revert this back to normal in a couple of weeks, once the antibiotics are discontinued. You have not done anything wrong to her.
2.What can be done to compensate for this?
As I mentioned, without any active intervention, body will restore this back its own. Anyhow, to hasten this, we can give probiotic preparations. This is not routinely needed, and I used to give only with prolonged(>7-10 days) or multiple antibiotic courses. In such cases, I occasionally give probiotics like Econorm sachet(saccharomyces) for 5 days. But, this is not needed following a single short course of antibiotic. You can discuss this with your doctor.
Giving food items rich in probiotics(eg Yogurt) is a better and natural way, and will be enough here.
3. What can be done to improve their immunity?
a)Ensure their vaccines are updated as recommended
b)A healthy diet is an important factor to keep immunity intact. Micro nutrients(vitamins and minerals) have a significant role. So include enough green leafy vegetables and fruits in diet. Nuts are also rich in micronutrients. Nuts are to be powdered and added while preparing feeds, and not to be given as such(risk of aspiration). If diet is deficient in these, I used to give a course of Zinc, Vitamin A and a multivitamin for children with repeated infections.
3) Keeping children away from other individuals/pets who are sick is also important.
Hope I have answered your query
Let me know if I can assist you further
Wishing for a faster recovery
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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