Let's learn exactly about antibiotics. Answers to all your questions!

How many times have you heard the word "antibiotic"? When you go to see a doctor, when you buy medicine from the pharmacy, or even when you talk to a friend, you hear this word, right? What exactly are these antibiotics? Are they good or bad for our bodies? What should we specifically think about when using them? I have come up with this explanation today to answer many questions like these in your mind in a simple way that you can understand.

What exactly is an antibiotic?

Simply put, antibiotics are special medicines that are given to treat infections caused by microorganisms called bacteria. These medicines work like specially trained soldiers who only attack enemies in a war. They go straight to the bacteria that are causing the disease and destroy them, or they stop the bacteria from growing so that they can no longer spread inside the body.

But the most important thing here is that antibiotics only work on bacterial infections. Remember, antibiotics will not work on diseases caused by viruses, for example, common cold, fever, cough (without phlegm), dengue, chickenpox, etc. This is because bacteria and viruses are two completely different groups of organisms.

What is the difference between bacteria and viruses?

You might be thinking, "So these are both small creatures, right? Why wouldn't the medicine given to one work for the other?" Okay, I'll explain that simply.

• Bacteria are a group of microorganisms that are made up of single cells and can often live alone, divide, and multiply on their own. There are both good bacteria inside our bodies and in our environment, as well as bad bacteria that cause disease.
• Viruses are particles much smaller than bacteria and cannot survive on their own. In order to survive, divide, and multiply, they must enter another living cell (a host cell).

Antibiotics are designed to damage certain parts of bacteria (for example, the bacterial cell wall) or to interfere with their life processes (for example, the production of proteins). Because the structure and life cycle of viruses are very different from that of bacteria, antibiotics cannot kill viruses.

Important: Therefore, when you have a cold, don't ask the doctor, "Give me an antibiotic." If the doctor doesn't give you an antibiotic, it may be because it's not appropriate for your illness.

How important is it to find an antibiotic?

The discovery of antibiotics was a huge revolution in medicine. In the past, many people died from simple bacterial infections. Just think of how many deaths were caused by a small wound getting infected or a throat infection (like strep throat).

But in 1928, a scientist named Alexander Fleming accidentally discovered the first antibiotic , penicillin . He noticed that a type of mold (like the mold that grows on an orange) stopped the growth of bacteria. That's where the journey of these wonder drugs began. Today, antibiotics have become indispensable for treating many bacterial diseases, such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, skin infections, and urinary tract infections. They are also used to prevent infections after surgery.

Types of antibiotics and how they work

There are hundreds of different types of antibiotics available today. Not all of them work in the same way. Some of them are:

• It stops the bacteria from making their cell wall. The bacteria are then left defenseless and die.
• It stops the bacteria from making the proteins they need. Bacteria cannot survive without proteins.
• They damage the bacteria's DNA, or stop it from being copied. Then the bacteria cannot divide and multiply.

A doctor will choose an antibiotic for you based on many factors, such as what type of bacteria caused your infection, what antibiotics that bacteria is sensitive to, your age, and whether you have other illnesses.

Some antibiotics are "broad-spectrum," meaning they can work against a wide range of bacteria. Others are "narrow-spectrum," meaning they target only a few specific types of bacteria.

Be sure to remember these things when using antibiotics!

Although antibiotics are valuable life-saving medicines, they can have dangerous consequences if not used properly. Therefore, great care must be taken in these matters.

1. Be sure to take the full course of medication prescribed by the doctor:

• Even if you feel better in two or three days, take the medicine for the full number of days your doctor tells you to. If you stop, the bad bacteria that are left in your body can make you sick again. Not only that, but the bacteria that are left can also become resistant to the medicine. If that happens, the medicine you are given next time may not work.
• Imagine, your friend Sumanawati has been prescribed antibiotics for 7 days by the doctor for a throat infection. If she stops taking the medication after 3 days, the remaining bacteria could make her sick again, possibly causing a dangerous condition like rheumatic fever.

2. Only use antibiotics prescribed by a doctor:

• Do not reuse leftover antibiotics that you were given for a previous illness. The medicine may not work for that illness, or the dose may not be enough.
• Don't take an antibiotic given to a friend or relative thinking it's right for you.

3. Do not give your antibiotics to anyone else.

4. Don't forget to tell your doctor if you have any allergies to any medications, are taking medication for other illnesses, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding, as some antibiotics are not suitable for such cases.

5. Be aware of side effects:

• Many antibiotics can cause minor side effects. Things like stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, and minor skin rashes. These are usually not serious and resolve after a few days of stopping the medication.
• However, if you experience difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, or a rash all over your body, it could be a sign of a severe allergic reaction. If this happens , stop taking the medicine immediately and see a doctor.

What is the dangerous antibiotic resistance?

This is the biggest health problem in the world today. Antibiotic resistance is when bacteria become so strong that they are exposed to antibiotics over time that they become resistant to those drugs. Simply put, bacteria become "smart" and find ways to escape the drugs we give them to kill them.

The main reason for this is that we use antibiotics incorrectly.

• Taking antibiotics when they are not needed (e.g. for a viral fever).
• Not taking the medication for the full period prescribed by the doctor.
• Buy antibiotics from the pharmacy without asking the doctor.

If antibiotic resistance increases, even common bacterial infections may become untreatable. This means that diseases that were previously treated with a simple drug will require new, stronger, and more expensive treatments. It could even lead to the emergence of "superbugs" that no other drug can treat.

We all have a big responsibility to prevent this. The best thing we can do is to use antibiotics as prescribed by the doctor.

What is special about giving antibiotics to children?

You need to be very careful when giving antibiotics to children.

• Dose: The dose of antibiotics given to children is determined by their weight. The dose given to adults cannot be given to children.
• Type: Some types of antibiotics are not suitable for children's age or their growing bodies.
• Pediatrician's advice: Always give your child only antibiotics prescribed by a pediatrician, exactly as they say, and for the duration they say.
• Don't always ask for antibiotics for things like colds and viral coughs. Doctors usually prescribe antibiotics for bacterial infections like bacterial tonsillitis, some ear infections, and urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Can't you survive bacterial infections without antibiotics?

Yes! There are things we can do to prevent bacterial infections before they occur:

• Stay clean: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially before eating, after using the bathroom, and after coming home from outside.
• Get Vaccinations: There are vaccines that can prevent some bacterial diseases (e.g. pneumonia, meningitis, whooping cough). Get them on time.
• Food safety: Eat well-cooked, clean food.
• Clean wounds properly: Clean even small wounds thoroughly and apply a dressing if necessary.

The most important things we need to remember (Take-Home Message)

Okay, so I think you now have a good understanding of antibiotics. Finally, let's remind ourselves of these points again:

• Antibiotics are a valuable type of medicine that is only used to treat bacterial infections . They do not work against viral diseases.
• Always use antibiotics only if prescribed by a doctor, and only as directed .
• Be sure to finish the entire course of medication prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking it just because your symptoms have subsided.
• Let's all help prevent the dangerous situation of antibiotic resistance. The best way to do that is to avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics.
• If you have any doubts about something, don't be shy and ask your doctor.

Wishing you a healthy life!

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