Antibiotics are a foundation of modernised medicine, known for their ability to effectively combat bacterial infections.
However, their misuse and overuse have resulted in a major worldwide health crisis known as antibiotic resistance. This occurs when bacteria develop methods to withstand the effects of antibiotics, making them less efficient or even ineffective.
Understanding when antibiotics are necessary can aid in combating this emerging problem.
Understanding What Antibiotics Are
Antibiotics are treatments that fight or inhibit the growth of bacterial infections in the body system. They are ineffective against viruses, fungi or protozoa which means they won’t help with illnesses like the common cold, flu, eczema or most sore throats.
Despite this, antibiotics are often inappropriately prescribed for some of these viral infections, therefore causing resistance.
When Antibiotics Are Needed
1. Bacterial Infections
Antibiotics are necessary for treating bacterial infections. Antibiotics tend to be needed for conditions such as strep throat, urinary tract infections (UTIs), some strains and species of pneumonia, and bacterial sinusitis.
2. Severe Infections
In cases where bacterial infections have become so severe, such as in sepsis (a life-threatening response to infection), antibiotics are critical and administered.
3. Preventive Use
Antibiotics may be administered prophylactically to avoid infections, particularly in patients undergoing surgery or those with weaker immune systems.
When Antibiotics Are Not Needed
Not every illness warrants antibiotics.
1. Viral Infections
Colds, flu, sore throats, bronchitis, and many ear infections are caused by viruses and do not benefit from antibiotics. Remedies like honey for coughs, saline nasal sprays for catarrh, and warm salt water gargles for sore throat can provide relief from symptoms without the need for antibiotics.
2. Minor Illnesses
Conditions like mild sinusitis and minor skin infections can often resolve themselves without antibiotics. Ensuring you get plenty of rest and stay hydrated aids our immune system in fighting the infection.
3. Symptomatic Relief
Using antibiotics for symptomatic relief when the underlying cause is viral or non-bacterial is ineffective and inappropriate, rather use over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms. Pain relievers, decongestants, and cough medicines can help manage symptoms while your body fights off a viral infection.
Good personal hygiene and healthy habits, such as regular hand washing and safe food handling, can prevent the spread of infections.
What Happens When Antibiotics Are Abused
1. Antibiotic Resistance
2. Side Effects
The adverse effects of antibiotics might include serious secondary infections including clostridium difficile, gastrointestinal disorders, and allergic reactions.
3. Impact on the Natural Floras of Our Body
Antibiotics can disrupt the natural balance, environment and pH of bacteria in the body. These are the normal flora of the body, particularly in the gut, leading to long-term health issues.
Note:
Seek guidance from medical professionals or physicians at all times. In addition to determining whether antibiotics are required, they can diagnose the reason behind your symptoms.
Your doctor may prescribe tests to confirm a suspected bacterial illness. These may consist of imaging studies, blood tests, or cultures.
Take antibiotics exactly as indicated if you are administered them. Even if you feel better, do not miss doses or stop taking them before your doctor tells you to.
Conclusion
In the fight against bacterial infections, antibiotics are invaluable weapons, but their effectiveness must be maintained by proper usage. Lowering the likelihood of antibiotic resistance can be achieved by knowing when antibiotics are required, identifying the symptoms of bacterial infections, and looking into alternative therapies.
Before using antibiotics, always seek medical advice, and follow their instructions to ensure responsible use. We can maintain antibiotics’ effectiveness for upcoming generations by doing this.
Read also: 5 Medical Tests You Should Take Yearly
