FAQs

Antibiotics

What if I miss a dose of antibiotics?

Missing a dose means that the level of antibiotic in your bloodstream is reduced – this reduces its effectiveness.

If you miss a dose you should read the patient information leaflet (PIL) that came with your prescription. The PIL is produced by the manufacturer and gives you advice about what you should do next. If you have lost your PIL your pharmacist should be able to give you another one.

I know that I am allergic to penicillin. Does this rule out treatment with antibiotics?

No. However, this is something that you should discuss with your doctor. There are many different types of antibiotic available and not all of them are based on penicillin. Your doctor may be able to recommend an effective alternative.

I am taking the contraceptive pill. Will antibiotics reduce its effectiveness?

If you’re prescribed antibiotics it’s important that you tell your doctor about any form of medication you’re taking – including the contraceptive pill.

Antibiotics can make the contraceptive pill less effective because they affect how oestrogen is absorbed. Therefore you'll need to use an additional form of contraceptive, such as a condom, while you are taking antibiotics and for a week after you stop. However, you should discuss this with your doctor and take his/her advice.

What can I do to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance spreading?

Bacteria can become resistant to antibiotic treatment and the more that the resistance spreads across the population the less effective antibiotic treatments will become. To reduce the risk of resistance spreading:

• Make sure that you take your antibiotics exactly as prescribed. In particular, make sure you finish the complete course even though your symptoms may have started to improve
• Regular and thorough hand washing will help keep you healthier and reduce spread of avoidable infections and the need to use antibiotics

Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP)

Who can get community acquired pneumonia?

Quite simply, anyone. However there are groups within the population who are at higher risk. For these groups pneumonia may also be a more serious condition. These groups include the very young, the elderly, those with existing lung or heart diseases, victims of strokes and seizures, and those suffering from diabetes and certain cancers.

Can I catch pneumonia from someone else?

Yes, you can catch pneumonia from others if you happen to breathe in the small droplets that contain the germs that can cause pneumonia. This may occur when someone infected with these germs coughs or sneezes near you. However, whilst this is not the only way you can catch pneumonia, you won’t get it by ‘standing in the rain’ or ‘walking around outside in the cold without a coat on’.

Can pneumonia be symptomatic of other conditions?

Yes, pneumonia may be secondary to another underlying, co-existing disease.

Chronic bronchitis and acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (AECB)

I don't smoke. Can I still get chronic bronchitis?

Yes. Although smoking is a major cause of chronic bronchitis, other factors such as environmental pollution or exposure to chemicals at work can also be risk factors. However, in some cases people with chronic bronchitis have no known risk factors.

I suffer from chronic bronchitis and have been told by a friend I should have a regular flu vaccination. Is that a good idea?

It can be a good idea for some people because chronic bronchitis increases your chances of getting a lung infection when you have flu. You should discuss the idea with your doctor. Your doctor may also recommend that you get a pneumococcal vaccination every five to six years to help protect against pneumonia as well.

How can I prevent colds if I have chronic bronchitis?

Although it’s almost impossible to prevent a cold, there are precautions that can be taken to reduce your chances of doing so. These include:

• Practising good hygiene and preventing the spread of colds by covering your mouth and nose with a disposable tissue when you sneeze. After you have sneezed, dispose of the tissue into a bin and wash your hands thoroughly
• Paying attention to healthy lifestyle habits by not smoking, avoiding other people’s cigarette smoke and air pollutants; eating a balanced, healthy diet; and exercising as recommended by your doctor

Acute Bacterial Sinusitis (ABS)

What is the difference between acute and chronic sinusitis?

If symptoms persist for up to four weeks then this is said to be acute sinusitis. It is typically caused by either a virus or bacteria. If it caused by bacteria it is called acute bacterial sinusitis (ABS). Chronic sinusitis is more complex and the symptoms last longer than 12 weeks. Other factors, such as a deviated septum may contribute to its onset.

People tell me I snore. Does this mean I have sinusitis?

Although sinusitis can sometimes contribute to a snoring problem, it is not the only reason why you may snore. Treatment for snoring is often different from treatment for sinusitis so ask your doctor for advice on how to deal with the problem.

Is air travel safe with sinusitis?

For some people with sinusitis, air travel can cause problems particularly during take off and landing when they may experience pain and pressure in the sinuses or ears. Ask you doctor whether you should use a decongestant before the flight. Sometimes by gently massaging the area in front of and behind your ears, as well as your face, you can help relieve the problem.

The information provided on this website does not replace a consultation with a medical professional. If you have any concern about your condition please contact a medical professional.