A Nurse Practitioner's View

Today's WSJ Health Blog writes about the infection, Clostridium difficile (C. diff), and how it's becoming known as the 'new' MRSA . The blog writes: The dark irony is that, because C. diff typically kept in check by the healthy bacteria that live in the digestive tract, people often get C. diff infections after treatment with antibiotics (which kill both harmful and healthy bacteria). It amazes me to this day, how many people come into the office demanding antibiotics for what are mostly viral infections (which of course, antibiotics do not help). I hear the same stories from my colleagues. Usually, once the side effects are rationalized, most people understand the consequences and we decide that antibiotics aren't indicated for this illness. Of course, this approach takes time and unfortunately, it's much easier to write the script for the antibiotic and not have to take more time out of one's busy schedule to explain this. Just as unfortunate, is that ...

Here is a great little post about the use and overuse of antibiotics from an ER physician blog, entitled, " We are so screwed ." We all know that it is easier to write a script for someone demanding antibiotics rather than explain the risks, benefits and commitment of taking antibiotics. It is so important to not give in. I'll never forget the patient that I saw with a 1-2 day history of nasal congestion and very mild symptoms. I went into my whole routine of explaining why I felt her condition was viral and antibiotics weren't necessary. After that whole little dialogue, I asked her if she had any questions and she says, "Uhh, can't I just get a Z-Pak?" What??? Were you even listening for the past 3 minutes??? (FYI, I did not write for the Z-Pak.) I'll never understand the rationale of wanting to take a medication that isn't clearly indicated, can cause gastrointestinal issues, can be expensive and is usually a commitment for 10 days (that's...