Sunday, January 18, 2009

I have cough for a month

I got a flu and after two days of suffering, my flu was gone. But the cough stays until today.

Under pressure to see a doctor, I agreed. See what this doctor gave me...
Strepsils - for soothing my throat
Powerful antibiotic for "infection" (very expensive drug)
A regiment of treatment for asthma by using steroid.

Well... just in case I have those imaginary problems....
Initially, I don't dare to take any of these medicines but after a while, I thought that perhaps I really need the antibiotic. So I took it but the cough is still there! Now, I am definitely not brave enough to take anything else.

My problem is that the doctor never explained to me what he is going to give me. Why he think that I have asthma and what is the use of the antibiotic. Without these information, I have no confident to consume any of those poisons.

p/s: From my little understanding about antibiotic, this drug is very bad for health. If taken too much, one will get more and more sick!
Flu is caused by virus. Antibiotic is for treating inflammation, which is non-viral. Normally, antibiotic is of no use for flu unless there is serious secondary infection. But doctor here habitually prescribe antibiotic without any valid reason. So if you have been feeding your young children with antibiotic, think twice and ask whether it is really necessary. Challenge the doctor if necessary.
I had a bee sting and doctor in Sibu gave me antibiotic! To me this is a real joke!
But why is doctor so busy giving out excessive medicine even when it is not necessary? I believe, tell me that I am wrong, they are under "pressure" from drug companies to sell because of "commission" if they reach a certain target!

6 comments:

Reanaclaire said...

normally i dont take antibiotics when i hv flu.. i drink more fluids instead..and the paracetamol if the fever is high.. anyway, hope u get well soon.. pray for recovery.. God heals...

William said...

Claire, yes, I took a lot of water. Actually more than 2 liters a day. So, do pray for healing for me.

Kong said...

You studied in UK. You should know, the doctor will diagnosis and the pharmacist dispense. So it is also the job of the pharmacist to explain the medication to you.

In Malaysia, I guess it's left with the Form 5 school leaver dispensing the medication at your doctor's clinic to do the explanation. Did you ask her?

Janice ♥ said...

i hv to agree that it's the doctor job to explain why he is giving a particular medication. Coz it's the doc's job to prescribe it and he's the one who knows the patient's well (whether he's allergic or whether he is taking other medication which will contraindicate the medicine he will be taking). The pharmacist will then explain the dosage and inform the patients of the side effects.

Janice ♥ said...

i find msia health system so corrupted. The private doctors prescribe medications and dispense the medicines themselves. The public health is never in their mind. Maximizing income is their priority. tsk tsk.

Anonymous said...

i come across a few pharmacists themselves are not always in the pharmacies attending patients. he or she must always be there to attend patients and not shop assistants. shop assistances are not qualified to prescribe medications. william, hope u will recover soon. god bless