Why do we ask for antibiotics for every illness? Should we know exactly about this?

You probably think, even if you have a cold or a fever, you go to the pharmacy and ask for an antibiotic . Or you ask the doctor, "Doctor, wouldn't it be better if you gave me an antibiotic ?" What exactly are antibiotics ? Do they work for every disease? Today, we will talk about this in detail and very simply. It's like talking to a friend.

What exactly are these antibiotics ?

Simply put, antibiotics are a type of medicine. But these medicines only work against a specific type of germ that enters our bodies. Those germs are called bacteria . Did you know that there are millions of types of bacteria living inside and on our bodies? Some of these bacteria are good for us and help us. For example, some bacteria in our intestines help us digest food.

However, some types of bacteria are very bad and can make us sick. When these bad bacteria enter our bodies and start multiplying, that is, making a lot of bacteria, we develop bacterial infections . That is when antibiotics help us.

Think of it this way: our body is like a beautiful garden. In this garden, there are good plants, and there are also weeds. Good bacteria are like good plants, and bad bacteria are like weeds. Antibiotics are like a medicine that kills those weeds.

How do these antibiotics work? It's amazing, isn't it?

When antibiotics enter our bodies, they seek out the bad bacteria that caused the illness and either kill them or stop them from growing, that is, spreading. When this happens, our immune system is able to control the remaining bacteria and cure the illness.

Here is something you need to remember . Bacteria are just one type of germ. In addition, we have other types of germs that cause diseases. For example , viruses and fungi . Antibiotics only work on bacteria. That is, antibiotics will not work for diseases caused by viruses, for example, the common cold , flu, dengue fever, and chickenpox . Also, antibiotics do not work for fungal infections (such as ringworm).

So, when you have a cold, it's pointless to ask the pharmacy, "Give me an antibiotic ." Because colds are often caused by a virus. Then antibiotics are just a waste of money and a burden on the body.

What types of antibiotics are there? Are there different types?

Yes, we get antibiotics in different ways. When a doctor prescribes an antibiotic for you or your baby, it may be one of these ways:

• Liquids or pills: These are the most common. Young children are often given a sweet liquid. Adults are given pills.
• Topical creams: There are creams that are applied to the skin for certain skin infections and wounds . Some of these can be purchased over-the-counter (OTC) at the pharmacy.
• Injections: Sometimes, especially if the infection is severe, antibiotics are given as injections directly into the muscle.
• IV line: For some serious infections, antibiotics are given directly into a vein (IV - Intravenous) while you are in the hospital. This allows the medicine to be absorbed quickly. Sometimes, even for young children, this type of IV treatment can be safely given at home, starting in the hospital.

The doctor is the one who decides which type of antibiotic is best suited to your illness and condition, and how to give it.

What kind of diseases are antibiotics used for?

Many infections and other problems caused by bacteria can be treated with antibiotics . Here are a few examples:

• Skin infections: For example, `Impetigo` (in which the skin appears as water-filled blisters and crusts), `abscesses` (pus-filled boils under the skin).
• Severe acne: Some types of acne are caused by bacteria.
• Lyme disease: This is a bacterial infection transmitted by ticks.
• Bacterial pneumonia: A serious infection caused by bacteria entering the lungs.
• Strep throat: This disease, which causes a sore throat, fever, and swollen tonsils, is also caused by bacteria.
• Sinus infections caused by bacteria: Bacterial infection of the air cavities (sinuses) around the nose.
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Antibiotics are also given for these infections, which cause symptoms such as burning when urinating and frequent urination.
• Some ear infections: Some ear infections, especially in young children, can be caused by bacteria.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): For example, diseases like Chlamydia, Syphilis, and Gonorrhea are also treated with antibiotics .

This list is not exhaustive, these are just a few examples. Remember, only a doctor can decide whether or not to give an antibiotic for each of these illnesses, after thoroughly investigating whether the cause of the illness is bacteria.

If I have to give my baby an antibiotic , what should I be concerned about?

This is a very important part. If a doctor prescribes an antibiotic for you or your baby, there are a few things you should definitely pay attention to. Only by following these instructions will you be able to get the most out of the medication and avoid any unwanted problems.

Do you want to give it exactly as the doctor said?

Absolutely yes! The doctor should give you the exact dose , at the exact time , for the exact number of days . Some medicines are said to be given three times a day, some twice a day. Some before meals, some after meals. All of this should be followed exactly. Remember well that "the dose should be given exactly, at the exact time."

Is it important to know exactly how to administer medication?

Of course, yes. Read the label on the medicine bottle or packet carefully. If you don't understand, ask your doctor or the person at the pharmacy.

Some antibiotics may have special instructions. For example:

• They should be drunk on an empty stomach.
• They should be taken with food.
• You should drink them with plenty of water.
• Some people are told to limit sun exposure when taking antibiotics , as sun exposure with some medications can cause skin problems.
• Also, if you or your baby are taking any other medications, be sure to tell your doctor about it, as some antibiotics can cause problems with other medications.

Do I have to complete the course of medication? Can't I stop when I feel a little better?

"This is very, very important! This is something that must be done!"

You should give the medicine for the number of days the doctor prescribed, until all the medicine is finished. Don't stop giving the medicine just because your baby's illness has subsided in two or three days, saying, "Oh, it's better now. " Do you know why?

When you start taking medicine, the bad bacteria in your body start to die. However, some very strong bacteria may remain. If you don't finish the course of medicine, those strong bacteria that are left can multiply again and the disease can get worse. Not only that, but the bacteria may also develop antibiotic resistance to the old antibiotic . If that happens, the next time you give that medicine, the disease may not get better, and you may have to give stronger medicine. That is a very dangerous situation.

Therefore, give the medicine for the number of days the doctor prescribed, until the bottle is empty.

How should I store my medicine? Is that important?

Yes, it is also very important to store medicines properly.

• Some antibiotics , especially liquid ones, need to be stored in the fridge. There are instructions on the label.
• Do not store medicines in hot, sunny places. For example, inside a car. Heat can damage the effectiveness of medicines.
• If you are unsure about how to store your medicine, check the label or ask the pharmacist.
• The other most important thing is to keep all medicines safely stored out of reach of small children, at a high place where they cannot reach them. This is something that must be done.

Take-Home Message:

Okay, we've talked a lot about antibiotics today, haven't we? Now, it's very important for you to keep this in mind:

1. Antibiotics are a type of medicine that is only given for bacterial infections. They are not effective against illnesses caused by viruses, such as colds and flu.

2. If a doctor prescribes an antibiotic , give it exactly as he says, in the prescribed dose, at the prescribed time, and for the prescribed number of days.

3. You must complete the course of medication. Do not stop taking it halfway just because the pain has subsided. Doing so can cause the pain to return and the bacteria to become resistant to the medication.

4. Follow the instructions on the label regarding how to administer and store the medication. If in doubt, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

5. Never take antibiotics on your own or give them to someone else without consulting a doctor. Also, do not use leftover antibiotics from a previous illness for another illness.

If you keep these points in mind, you will be able to use this valuable medicine called antibiotics correctly and stay healthy for yourself and your family. Remember, health is the greatest wealth!

` Antibiotics , bacteria, infections, antibiotics, medicine, children's health