Precautionary antibiotics?

[pluckyducky]

Has anyone had precautionry antibiotics prescribed for their dc? I took dd (4 months) to see the Dr today because she's having some trouble breathing. He diagnosed 'wheezy bronchitis' and said it's likely to be viral and will, therefore, run its natural course. However, he prescribed a course of antibiotics to prevent any secondary bacterial infrction occuring.

I didn't think to question him at the time, I jyst thanked him for his help and took the prescription. Now I think about it though, it doesn't make sense to me. Surely by taking the antibiotics dd's immune system will be compromised, therefore leaving her susceptible to other infections and unable to fight the existing virus?

I probably will follow his advice, seeing as he's a Dr and presumably knows what he's talking about but I wondered if anyone else had heard of this?

I'm not sure why your GP has prescribed antibiotics for your dd but in my experience children who have underlying chronic lung conditions are given antiobitics at the onset of a cold for the very reason he has described. The last thing they need is to pick up a bacterial infection whilst their immune system is under pressure from fighting off the cold virus.

Unfortunately I don't know what the standard procedure is for 'normal' children (ie without underlying health conditions!)

It shouldn't really be normal practice to give out "precautionary antibiotics" as doctors are generally encouraged to avoid unnecessary antibiotics where possible. What does sometimes happen is GPs give a forward dated prescription so you can get them in a few days if the symptoms are not settling. Most doctors would have a lower threshold for giving antibiotics if there is any other underlying illness though.

No underlying illness in our case. Dd's had a 'rattle' since birth (thanks to ds bringing cold after cold home from nursery I think!) but it's never bothered her before. The Dr said she's what they call a 'happy wheezer'. It's only the past couple of days that she's seemed off colour in herself. I may take her for a second opinion tomorrow. I'd rather not give her antibiotics if she doesn't need them.