There may be a time where a doctor or an adult recommends an antibiotic to you. Have you ever wondered why?
1. What It Can Do
The literal meaning of antibiotics is – against life. “Anti” meaning against, and “bio” means life. Hence, these drugs are medicines that kill bacteria. Also, it keeps them from making copies of themselves. As a result, it helps to stop the infection.
In the 1920s, death from bacterial infections increased. However, when these drugs came into use, life expectancy increased. People survived the infections. Therefore, with the use of this medicine, it is safer to do surgeries.
2. How to Take It
Moreover, you can take these drugs in 3 different ways. The first is through oral means. It may come in liquids, pills, and capsules. The next option is by topical means. Also, it may come as a cream, spray, or ointment put on the skin. You can also take antibiotics through eye or ear drops. The last option is through an injection. Additionally, doctors use this practice for more serious infections.
3. How to Use
- Get a prescription from the doctor. Please do not buy or take it without the doctor telling you to.
- Take them how your doctor tells you to. Also, beware of the doses and how often you must take it.
- Please do not share it with others.
- Do not save it for later use.
- Do not take others’ antibiotics. Instead of getting well, it may slow down your recovery. In worse cases, the side effects of antibiotics may show up and make you sicker.
4. Infections Treated
Furthermore, these are the infections that antibiotics can treat.
- Strep throat
- Whooping cough
- Meningitis
- Skin infections
- Dental infections
- Certain ear and sinus infection
- Bladder and kidney infections
- Bacterial pneumonia
5. Side Effects
Though these drugs treat infections, they are responsible for some emergency room visits. However, this reason is because of antibiotics’ effects. These side effects will bother your body and routine.
Side effects of antibiotics include digestive problems and fungal infections. There are also cases of photosensitivity, teeth and bone staining, and kidney failure. Hence, these problems are common side effects.
- Loss of appetite
- Pain in the stomach
- Cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Bloating
- Feeling of fullness
Severe effects include:
- Rash
- Blood or mucus in stool
- Severe diarrhea
- Fever
- Lack of control in vomiting
- Severe allergic reactions
- Colon damage
- Rapid heartbeat
- Low blood pressure
- Fainting
- Seizures
Moreover, antibiotics kill bad bacteria. But they can also kill the good ones. As a result, fungal infections occur. Such infections may occur in the mouth, throat, and vagina. Drugs that kill bacteria make the skin more sensitive to the sun. So, if you have taken one, avoid long exposure to sun or light. Also, use sunscreens and clothing that will shield your skin from the light. For instance, wear hats, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants if you are going out.
Some reports say that 3 to 6 percent of people who take certain drugs start to have stains on their teeth. Lessen the chance of having these conditions. Therefore, follow the instructions on how to take the medications. If you experience severe side effects, do not hesitate to ask for help. Above all, call 911 or go and talk to a doctor. Such side effects may become fatal.
6. What It Can’t Do
Antibiotics will kill the bacteria, but it will not kill the virus. It cannot treat the common cold, flu, sore throats, and infections brought by viruses. An intake of this drug will not help.
7. Drug-resistant
The overuse of such drugs entails concern from some doctors. Hence, they think that it may lead to bacteria becoming resistant to these drugs. Soon, some germs may prove that antibiotic effects are gone. Also, infections that can resist it can be severe and life-threatening.
To lessen the risk of having drug-resistant bacteria:
- Take the drugs as told by the doctor.
- Complete the prescribed doses, even if the symptoms are gone.
- Do not take old or out-of-date antibiotics.
- Search for natural antibiotics. As much as possible, choose it over artificial ones.
- Please do not use it without a prescription.
- Avoid long-term use.
- If you have a common cold, cough, and flu, avoid taking these drugs.
It is hard to be sick and have unpleasant symptoms. No one wants illness. That is why it is good to know that there are treatments. But it is good to know how to use the treatments. By doing so, it will help and not cause side effects.
