Rachel V Thomas

Over One In Four Americans Lied To Get Antibiotics For Children: Why It Can Be Dangerous

More than a quarter of Americans (28%) misrepresented symptoms to obtain <span>antibiotics</span> for themselves, while 27% did so to get antibiotics for a child in their care, according to an alarming survey.

The nationwide survey of nearly 1,000 people, published in <em>JAMA Network Open,</em> found that common reasons included feeling very sick, believing antibiotics were the only effective treatment and needing to recover quickly to return to work or school.

The findings highlight the need for better communication between doctors and patients so that concerns are heard and symptoms are appropriately treated, whether or not antibiotics are needed.

“Now that we have a clearer picture of how common these behaviors are and the reasons behind them, the next step is to look at strategies that help patients express their preferences and communicate what they’re feeling to their provider, and for their provider to hear them, understand their concerns, and reassure them,” said Alistair Thorpe, research assistant professor of population health sciences at the University of Utah Health and one of the study's first authors.

Among respondents, 28% said they had deliberately exaggerated or fabricated symptoms to obtain antibiotics for themselves, while 27% had done so for a child in their care.

The most common reason was feeling that they or their child were very sick and believing antibiotics were the only treatment that could help.

“It is a tough situation,” Thorpe said. “People are experiencing unpleasant symptoms, and they can have this strong feeling that antibiotics are the only thing that can help them feel better. Being told to just rest and wait is a hard thing to do, and if you think there’s something that could make you feel better, it’s a very hard impulse to override.”

Other reasons included needing to recover quickly to return to work or school and wanting greater control over treatment decisions.

<h2>Why Is Taking <span rel="noindex">Unnecessary Antibiotics</span> Dangerous?</h2>

Antibiotics treat bacterial infections but do not work against viral infections, which commonly cause cold- and flu-like symptoms. They can also cause side effects.

“These medications are not totally benign for the patient,” explained Andrea Levy, Professor of social sciences at Connecticut State Community College Middlesex and one of the study's first authors. “And antibiotic use contributes to increasing antimicrobial resistance, which is a broader public health concern.”

Unnecessary antibiotic use contributes to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), making bacterial infections harder to treat.

Accurate symptom reporting is therefore important. Doctors need a clear picture of a patient's symptoms to determine whether antibiotics are necessary and avoid prescribing them when they are unlikely to help.

<h2>Why Are Children At High Risk With <span rel="noindex">Antibiotic Misuse</span>?</h2>

Children commonly receive antibiotics for infections such as ear infections and respiratory illnesses. However, many childhood infections are caused by viruses, against which antibiotics are ineffective.

Unnecessary antibiotic exposure can cause side effects, including diarrhoea, nausea and allergic reactions. It can also contribute to antimicrobial resistance, making future bacterial infections harder to treat.

Repeated antibiotic use may also disrupt the developing gut microbiome, which plays a role in digestion and immune function.

<h2>Why Do Patients Misrepresent Symptoms And How Can It Be Prevented?</h2>

The researchers emphasise that the findings are not intended to blame patients or caregivers.

“There are very understandable reasons that we can sympathize with about why patients might feel the need to misrepresent symptoms, or why caregivers might do so on behalf of their children,” Levy said. “We’re simply saying: perhaps there’s a better way.”

Past experiences with healthcare providers may influence these decisions. People were more likely to exaggerate symptoms if a doctor had previously dismissed or downplayed their concerns.

Another factor is the mistaken belief that antibiotics helped someone recover from an earlier viral infection. Since viral infections usually resolve on their own, patients may incorrectly attribute their recovery to antibiotics rather than the body's natural healing process, Thorpe explained.

The findings highlight the need for better communication between doctors and patients.

Healthcare providers need to reassure patients that their symptoms are being heard and taken seriously, even when antibiotics are not appropriate.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

over-one-in-four-americans-lied-to-get-antibiotics-for-children-why-it-can-be-dangerous

Antibiotics

antibiotic resistance

Antibiotic misuse

Americans Lied To Get Antibiotics

Unnecessary Antibiotics

Drug Resistance

hailey-bieber-opens-up-about-pmdd-after-childbirth-what-is-it-and-how-is-it-different-from-pms

Hailey Bieber Opens Up About PMDD After Childbirth: What Is It And How Is It Different From PMS?

india-proposes-stricter-drug-rules-tougher-quality-checks-licence-suspension

India Proposes Stricter Drug Rules: Tougher Quality Checks, Licence Suspension

Health News

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

More than a quarter of Americans (28%) misrepresented symptoms to obtain antibiotics for themselves, while 27% did so to get antibiotics for a child in their care, according to an alarming survey.The nationwide survey of nearly 1,000 people, published in JAMA Network Open, found that common reasons included feeling very sick, believing antibiotics were the only effective treatment and needing to recover quickly to return to work or school.The findings highlight the need for better communication between doctors and patients so that concerns are heard and symptoms are appropriately treated, whether or not antibiotics are needed.“Now that we have a clearer picture of how common these behaviors are and the reasons behind them, the next step is to look at strategies that help patients express their preferences and communicate what they’re feeling to their provider, and for their provider to hear them, understand their concerns, and reassure them,” said Alistair Thorpe, research assistant professor of population health sciences at the University of Utah Health and one of the study's first authors.What Did The Survey Reveal?Among respondents, 28% said they had deliberately exaggerated or fabricated symptoms to obtain antibiotics for themselves, while 27% had done so for a child in their care.The most common reason was feeling that they or their child were very sick and believing antibiotics were the only treatment that could help.“It is a tough situation,” Thorpe said. “People are experiencing unpleasant symptoms, and they can have this strong feeling that antibiotics are the only thing that can help them feel better. Being told to just rest and wait is a hard thing to do, and if you think there’s something that could make you feel better, it’s a very hard impulse to override.”Other reasons included needing to recover quickly to return to work or school and wanting greater control over treatment decisions.Why Is Taking Unnecessary Antibiotics Dangerous?Antibiotics treat bacterial infections but do not work against viral infections, which commonly cause cold- and flu-like symptoms. They can also cause side effects.“These medications are not totally benign for the patient,” explained Andrea Levy, Professor of social sciences at Connecticut State Community College Middlesex and one of the study's first authors. “And antibiotic use contributes to increasing antimicrobial resistance, which is a broader public health concern.”Unnecessary antibiotic use contributes to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), making bacterial infections harder to treat.Accurate symptom reporting is therefore important. Doctors need a clear picture of a patient's symptoms to determine whether antibiotics are necessary and avoid prescribing them when they are unlikely to help.Why Are Children At High Risk With Antibiotic Misuse?Children commonly receive antibiotics for infections such as ear infections and respiratory illnesses. However, many childhood infections are caused by viruses, against which antibiotics are ineffective.Unnecessary antibiotic exposure can cause side effects, including diarrhoea, nausea and allergic reactions. It can also contribute to antimicrobial resistance, making future bacterial infections harder to treat.Repeated antibiotic use may also disrupt the developing gut microbiome, which plays a role in digestion and immune function.Why Do Patients Misrepresent Symptoms And How Can It Be Prevented?The researchers emphasise that the findings are not intended to blame patients or caregivers.“There are very understandable reasons that we can sympathize with about why patients might feel the need to misrepresent symptoms, or why caregivers might do so on behalf of their children,” Levy said. “We’re simply saying: perhaps there’s a better way.”Past experiences with healthcare providers may influence these decisions. People were more likely to exaggerate symptoms if a doctor had previously dismissed or downplayed their concerns.Another factor is the mistaken belief that antibiotics helped someone recover from an earlier viral infection. Since viral infections usually resolve on their own, patients may incorrectly attribute their recovery to antibiotics rather than the body's natural healing process, Thorpe explained.The findings highlight the need for better communication between doctors and patients.Healthcare providers need to reassure patients that their symptoms are being heard and taken seriously, even when antibiotics are not appropriate.

over one in four americans lied to get antibiotics for children: why it can be dangerous

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

Over One In Four Americans Lied To Get Antibiotics For Children: Why It Can Be Dangerous

India Proposes Stricter Drug Rules: Tougher Quality Checks, Licence Suspension

WHO: 63 Countries Have Eliminated At Least One Neglected Tropical Disease By 2026; Why Dengue Remains A Concern

Utah Becomes The First US State To Let AI Prescribe Medicines: What Are The Patient Safety Concerns?

Health Conditions A-Z

Over One In Four Americans Lied To Get Antibiotics For Children: Why It Can Be Dangerous

Hailey Bieber Opens Up About PMDD After Childbirth: What Is It And How Is It Different From PMS?

India Proposes Stricter Drug Rules: Tougher Quality Checks, Licence Suspension