Don't be such a pill

No matter what, some people find pills to be  the ultimate solution to their health problems. Pills, especially antibiotics, are their ultimate weapon against everything from cough to pain. If you can relate to this, don't be proud as it may not be a wise approach, and don't worry either as you are not alone. Most of us in India, tend to treat everything with combination of pills either prescribed by doctor or decided by self, even when the problem can improve on its own.

You will find people drinking cough syrups as soon as they start coughing. Do you also have such a dependency over pills? Do you pop a pain killer before a headache actually begins? While taking antibiotics too often may ease your problems as soon as they appear, you are gradually increasing the risk of side-effects. Too much of antibiotics are also making bacteria stronger by developing some resistance to the antibiotics.

Cough

You should visit your doctor and get your pills if your cough is because of chest infection which has significant symptoms of persistent fever. However,  it's normal for cough to last up to three weeks and produce green phlegm. Earlier, green phlegm was considered a sure sign of infection. Doctors recommend rest and drinking lot of fluids. Take pills only when prescribed by your doctor.

Also read : home remedies for dry cough

Sore throat 

While people with weak natural immune response should consider taking help from antibiotic pills, most cases of sore throats are caused by viral infections. Rather treat your sore throat with natural remedies and hot water.

skin conditions 

Antibiotics are usually prescribed for infected eczema, cellulites and acne because of the anti-inflammatory effect, not for the antibacterial effect. Deal with your skin conditions with natural remedies as most skin conditions don't get better with antibiotics.

Ear ache 

Children are prone to ear infections because the narrow air passages in the inner ear can become blocked by mucus. Antibiotics are not needed as the cause is usually viral.

Also read : Home remedies for ear infections

Sinusitis

Sinusitis is usually due to a viral infection and can last for up to two-and-a-half weeks. The doctor is likely to advice rest, fluids, and steam inhalations. The steam loosens secretions, making them easier to clear through the nose.

Change your lifestyle and switch to healthier way of life rather than doing just anything and then seeking help from pills. Before you take the next pill, make sure that you really need it.

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