A runny nose can cause discomfort Antibiotics have been hailed as one of the effective solutions for all mucus-related illnesses. If you’ve been relying on them too much, here’s why you should reconsider.

They Are Not a Runny Nose Remedy
Antibiotics are not a remedy for your runny nose. Although research has shown that antibiotics are effective in relieving symptoms of cold and flu, they don’t necessarily eliminate the virus from your system. They kill the bacteria but not the virus. Solution? Don’t rely on them too much.

They Kill Healthy Bacteria
This is a genuine reason to be scared. Instead of being a runny nose remedy, an overuse of antibiotics kill off healthy bacteria in your nasal passages and can lead to the breeding of drug-resistant bacteria. This can cause more harm than good and can lead to a more prolonged bout of cold or flu.

So, the question remains. When is it right to take antibiotics? Here’s how you determine whether you need antibiotics as a runny nose remedy.

Lab Testing
Lab testing is a time-tested way of analyzing your mucus samples and determining whether you need antibiotics for a runny nose remedy. If you have been suffering from a runny nose for a long time, you might consider getting tested to determine whether it is a symptom of something more serious.

Your doctor will decide whether you need antibiotics as a runny nose remedy based on the symptoms you have. More often than not, they recommend either flu shots or prescribe home remedies since bacterial infections aren’t a big deal. Since the symptoms of the viral flu include fever, shivering and other related symptoms, the likelihood of antibiotics being prescribed to patients exhibiting these symptoms could be reduced.

A simple and easy way to figure out if you need antibiotics is the color of the discharge, the period you’ve been sick, and the severity of your fever.