Breaking the Antibiotic Habit: A Parent's Guide to Coughs, Colds, Ear Infections, and Sore Throats (Paperback)

by Paul A. Offit (Author), Bonnie Fass-Offit (Author), Louis M. Bell (Author) "Bacteria are now, more than ever before, resisting the killing effects of antibiotics..." (more)
Key Phrases: children with strep throat, bacteria that resist antibiotics, children with viral infections, United States, Alexander Fleming, Huck Finn (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Protect your child. Leading pediatric experts answer all your questions about reducing the risks of antibiotic overuse. "An important book for parents…the best source I have seen about the dangers of antibiotic resistance and the risks of antibiotic overuse." —Scott Dowell, M.D., M.P.H. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention "Finally, a book that discusses the problem of antibiotic overuse in a readable way, combining daily experiences in pediatric practice with scientific explanations." —S. Michael Marcy, M.D., American Academy of Pediatrics If your child has a cough, cold, ear infection, or sore throat, will antibiotics help? The answer may surprise you. Overuse of antibiotics has led to antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria, or "superbugs." Antibiotics are increasingly ineffective because they are often prescribed inappropriately to treat viral infections, such as colds, bronchitis, and sore throats. Natural supplements may offer more relief. Clearly organized and packed with vital information, Breaking the Antibiotic Habit covers all the key issues, including:

• Distinguishing between strep throat and sore throat, sinus infection and the common cold, pneumonia and bronchitis, and ear infections and ear fluids
• Helping children with viral infections feel better—without antibiotics
• Getting the most from over-the-counter remedies and natural supplements—which are best for specific symptoms, and which to avoid altogether

From the Back Cover
Protect your child. Leading pediatric experts answer all your questions about reducing the risks of antibiotic overuse. "An important book for parents…the best source I have seen about the dangers of antibiotic resistance and the risks of antibiotic overuse." —Scott Dowell, M.D., M.P.H. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention "Finally, a book that discusses the problem of antibiotic overuse in a readable way, combining daily experiences in pediatric practice with scientific explanations." —S. Michael Marcy, M.D., American Academy of Pediatrics If your child has a cough, cold, ear infection, or sore throat, will antibiotics help? The answer may surprise you. Overuse of antibiotics has led to antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria, or "superbugs." Antibiotics are increasingly ineffective because they are often prescribed inappropriately to treat viral infections, such as colds, bronchitis, and sore throats. Natural supplements may offer more relief. Clearly organized and packed with vital information, Breaking the Antibiotic Habit covers all the key issues, including:

• Distinguishing between strep throat and sore throat, sinus infection and the common cold, pneumonia and bronchitis, and ear infections and ear fluids
• Helping children with viral infections feel better—without antibiotics
• Getting the most from over-the-counter remedies and natural supplements—which are best for specific symptoms, and which to avoid altogether

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 186 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (March 11, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471319821
• ISBN-13: 978-0471319825
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #695,156 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book should be given at every baby shower!!, April 8, 1999

By A Customer

Come on parents, admit it, which one of us hasn't left our child's pediatrician's office at least once, feeling a bit miffed and irritated that the doctor denied the need for antibiotics, when you were absolutely convinced that one was warranted.... If you raised your hand, then this book is a must read and will prove to be a valued addition to your home medical library.

As a registered nurse in the pediatric and adult settings for many years, I have seen first hand the devastating effects of patients infected with antibiotic resistant organisms. It is frightening enough just to watch a patient try to recover from such an illness, let alone try to care for them when traditional therapies have failed.

Unfortunately, the frequency and difficulty of treating these types of patients have become an increasingly alarming scenario in today's acute care facilities. We are long overdue in the rethinking of the way antibiotics are currently prescribed in this country.

With their new book, BREAKING THE ANTIBIOTIC HABIT A Parent's Guide to Coughs, Colds, Ear Infections, and Sore Throats, Drs. Offit and Bell have successfully provided clear and interesting discussions about the necessity for prudent use of antibiotic therapy for our children as well as the adult population. It also provides surprisingly simple and clear guidelines for caregivers whose children display symptoms of coughs, colds, ear infections and sore throats. It is a needed refresher course for experienced parents, and proves to be an important reference for all first time parents and grand-parents.

Bravo! Drs. Offit and Bell, thank you for this timely and important book! What an informative little page turner!!

13 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for parents interested in using less antibiotics, May 9, 1999

By A Customer

I am a pediatrician and am extremely concerned about antibiotic overusage. This book will help all parents understand the risks and benefits of antibiotic use and give them a greater understanding of when antibiotics should be prescribed for their children. Learn that it is alright to tell your doctor that you'd rather not use medications if they are not absolutely necessary. This book is well written, easy to understand, and a must read for parents. Makes a great gift as well for a new parent! I recommend it highly.

6 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book!, July 20, 2000

By	linda J. Watson (Wilton, CT USA) - See all my reviews

I just happened to glimpse this book at my local library and checked it out. What an informational storehouse! I am the parent of two small children, who just recently have been coming down with coughs, colds, ear infections. Nowhere in any of my "pediatrition handbooks" did I get such an in depth understanding of common childhood problems and how and when antibiotics can help and when they can't. I wish I read this book last winter when I needed the information. I am buying this book and highly reccomend it to all parents. Read it cover to cover!