Allergies and antibiotics

Hi Bsanchez,

Really only a doctor can tell you what is going on, but it sounds like the antibiotic use might have thrown your metabolism off a bit. I was doing some research on the site, and while it might not pertain specifically to your case, there was a news article last June that talked about infants who were prescribed antibiotics were more likely to develop asthma and asthma like symptoms. The antibiotics prescribed were broad-spectrum antibiotics. It could be a similar situation to what you are experiencing. The link to the article is here. There is a second article here. There is also an article that talks about antibiotics being prescribed for sinusitis unnecessarily. That article is here. It could be that you are experiencing an allergy to the antibiotic that is manifesting itself as allergy symptoms.

I hope this helps some, or at least gives you some information to help you ask the questions of your doctor.

Take care and stay in touch, let us know how you are doing!

Vicki M

Dear Bsanchez,

Regarding your post about your problems after taking antibiotics. I am not a doctor, so I would recommend you check with your primary care doctor and an eye doctor about the vision changes. I did want to mention that taking antibiotics--especially powerful ones for a long period of time--can alter many functions in your body. The antibiotics (purposely) kill off the bacteria in your system--this means the bad bacteria (what was making you ill in the first place) but also the 'good' bacteria in your body, which helps your body fight off attacks. (This is why some people get yeast infections, diarrhea, or upset stomachs when they are taking antibiotics--which usually resolve after the drugs are stopped). It is possible that the antibiotics killed the "good" bacteria in your stomach, which is why you experienced food intolerances or upset stomach. One thing you  might want to discuss with your doctor is using probiotics--these are special supplements that help replace the good bacteria in your body. This might help a future recurrence of stomach upset, etc. It's also possible that the swelling and itching indicated that you were having an allergic reaction to the antibiotics. Again, this is something to ask/note for your doctor if you need to take antibiotics again. I wish you the best of luck and health.

Allison Janse

author, The Germ Freak's Guide to Outwitting Colds and Flu