When we get a fever or a cold, one of the things we ask our doctors is, "Doctor, do you need an antibiotic?" Some people go even further and go to the nearest pharmacy without even asking a doctor. But what exactly are antibiotics? Can they be given as a panacea for every illness? Let's talk about this in detail and simply today.
What are antibiotics?
Simply put,
antibiotics are drugs that are used to treat infections caused by bacteria. They work in two ways. They either kill the bad bacteria that have entered our bodies, or they stop the bacteria from dividing, multiplying, and increasing their population. The word '
antibiotic ' means "
against life ." That means anything that kills
germs in our bodies is technically an antibiotic. But we usually use this word when talking about drugs that kill bacteria. Think about it, before
penicillin was discovered in 1928, people died from even a minor bacterial infection in the throat (Strep throat). Even having surgery was a very risky thing. But after the advent of antibiotics, this situation completely changed. The average life expectancy of people increased by about 23 years, surgeries became safer, and people's lives were saved from infections that were thought to be fatal. Isn't it amazing?
How do we get antibiotics?
Antibiotics can be administered to our bodies in several ways, depending on the nature and severity of the infection you have.
| How to get it | Description |
|---|
| Pills/Capsules | Usually, the doctor will give you these to drink for less serious infections. |
| Injections | In cases of severe infection, it is given directly into the bloodstream or into a muscle. These are usually given in a hospital. |
| Topicals | For skin infections, it is applied to the skin surface in the form of cream, lotion, spray, or drops. |
What are the types of antibiotics?
Although antibiotics are divided into several main categories, we don't need to talk about each of them in depth. But let me tell you this so you understand.
- Broad-spectrum antibiotics: These are like bombs. They can attack a wide range of bacteria at once.
- Narrow-spectrum antibiotics: These are like snipers. They target and attack only a few specific types of bacteria.
Your doctor will decide which type to give you based on the infection you have. For
example , you may be given a penicillin medication for a skin infection, chest infection, or urinary tract infection. Cephalosporins are used for more serious conditions like meningitis.
Doctor, there are several types of antibiotics you can give.
Here are some of the types of antibiotics you may have used, or a doctor may have prescribed for you.
How long does it take for antibiotics to work?
As soon as you take an antibiotic, it starts working in your body. But
it may take a few days for you to feel better. This depends on the type and severity of your infection.
The most important thing here is to take the medicine for the full number of days prescribed by the doctor, even if you feel better in two or three days.
Imagine that you are at war with bacteria inside your body. Antibiotics are soldiers sent to your side. When you feel better in two or three days, it only means that the war is almost over. Stopping the medication is like sending the soldiers home. The remaining bacteria can then grow stronger and cause the disease to return, possibly more severe than before. Therefore,
it is essential to complete the course. What kind of illnesses are antibiotics given for?
This is where many people make a mistake. Antibiotics
only work on bacterial infections. Antibiotics do not cure diseases caused by viruses.
| Bacterial infections that can be cured with antibiotics | Viral diseases that cannot be cured with antibiotics |
|---|
| Some ear and sinus infections | Common cold |
| Tooth infections | Flu |
| Skin infections | Many types of cough |
| Meningitis | Many sore throats |
| Strep throat | Stomach flu |
| Bladder and kidney infections | Most cases of bronchitis |
| Bacterial pneumonia | |
Sometimes it's hard to tell right away whether you have a bacterial or viral infection. In such cases, the doctor will perform the necessary tests to determine the most appropriate treatment for you.
Side Effects of Antibiotics
Our intestines contain both good bacteria that help us and bad bacteria that cause illness. Antibiotics cannot distinguish between the two. So when treating an infection, they also affect the good bacteria in the intestines. This is why these side effects often occur.
Common side effects: If you have any allergy symptoms, tell your doctor immediately!
Very rarely, some people may have an allergic reaction to antibiotics.
If you experience these symptoms, stop taking the medication and tell your doctor immediately.- Hives - Itchy rash on the skin (Hives)
- Cough
- Wheezing
- Throat congestion or difficulty breathing
Some other common questions
- Do antibiotics make you feel tired? Yes, some antibiotics, such as Amoxicillin and Azithromycin, can cause you to feel unusually tired and weak.
- Is it okay to drink alcohol while taking antibiotics? Absolutely not. Some antibiotics interact with alcohol. Therefore, avoid alcohol completely while taking the medication and for 48 hours after stopping the medication.
- Other effects: If you are taking birth control pills, antibiotics may reduce their effectiveness. Talk to your doctor about this. Women may also develop vaginal yeast infections.
Antibiotic Resistance - The Biggest Threat We Face!
Antibiotics are a powerful weapon against germs when used correctly and carefully. But, sadly, about half of the antibiotics used in the world are used unnecessarily.
When we use antibiotics unnecessarily, bacteria learn to fight against these drugs. It's like the enemy learning about our weapons. Over time, those bacteria become so strong that none of our antibiotics can kill them. We call these 'superbugs' .This is a very dangerous situation, because we are running out of medicine to kill these bacteria.
We can help control the spread of these 'superbugs'. We all need to be smart about antibiotics.
- If the doctor says you don't need antibiotics, believe him or her.
- Never ask for antibiotics for a viral infection like a cold.
- Only use antibiotics that your doctor has prescribed for you. Don't take someone else's medicine.
- Take the prescribed dose, at the prescribed time, as prescribed.
- Complete the prescribed number of days. Don't stop halfway.
- Do not save any leftover medicine for later use.
Take-Home Message
- Antibiotics are only used to treat bacterial infections . They do not treat the common cold or flu.
- Take the medicine prescribed by your doctor for the full course of treatment. Do not stop taking it even if you feel better in two days.
- Never use someone else's antibiotics or leftover medicine from a previous illness.
- The unnecessary use of antibiotics is leading to the emergence of 'superbugs' that no medicine can control. This is a very dangerous situation.
- Always consult your doctor before taking any antibiotic.
Antibiotics, bacteria, viruses, infections, antibiotics, medicine, doctor, antibiotic resistance, superbugs, side effects
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