It is an undeniable fact that antibiotics have done a lot of good to medical practice. Infections that have been nearly fatal have been contained and mortality rates have fallen drastically; grave complications have diminished following otologic infections and surgery has been made safer. But are we doing justification to these wonder drugs? I don't think so. The recent notification by IMA that antibiotic use for trivial infections is a welcome step.
It points the finger at us, the Otolaryngologists, who happen to be one of the most prolific prescribers of antibiotics. Common colds, sore throat, ear ache, cough are among the top complaints for which a patient is likely to consult a doctor and all these fall within the purview of the ENT Specialists. Are antibiotics necessary? The answer is a big NO! Let us examine the reason why doctors resort to antibiotic use when it is apparently…
