Indeed, modern antibiotics are a medical revolution. Since then, humans have saved their lives through antibiotics. To date, perhaps one of the most useful weapons against infection by bacteria comes from antibiotics. The trend needs to be addressed and taken to task amidst other emerging problems regarding resistance by the antibiotics. Generally, the public needs to know enough about antibiotics: what is an antibiotic and what it means in application, along with caution in terms of use.
We can just talk about what they are used for, what their functions are, what types, and proper usage in this little summary.
What are Antibiotics?
These antibiotics kill bacteria or prevent them from reproducing. The disease caused by the bacteria is washed away when applied with these types of antibiotics. The disease in size is smaller and has probability zero for causing death. However, with antibiotics, there is no such scope for the viruses. Those are flu, common cold, or COVID-19. The use of knowing of the difference made here is that of immense significance so that non-use does not happen.
Penicillin was the first antibiotic Alexander Fleming discovered in 1928. Up to now, many broad spectrums of antibiotics were found that could kill other kinds of bacteria.
Oral, topical, and injections IV are generally the three ways of application based on the course and gravity of infection.
How Do Antibiotics Work?
Most antibiotics inhibit a few such processes or structures that are necessary for the survival of bacterial cells. Being parts of human cells, some antibiotics are selectively toxic to bacteria.
Another way of classifying the various kinds of antibiotics is according to their relative to the mechanisms of action. Some of such include;
- Beta-lactams
- Macrolides
- Tetracyclines
- Fluoroquinolones
- Aminoglycosides
How are antibiotics administered?
This is now the case of the bacterial and not the viral. Some of the most common types of bacterial infections that antibiotics dispense with have been:
This goes all the way to include respiratory, pneumonia, strep throat bronchitis, etc.
Urinary tract infections; these infections are either infections of the kidneys, bladder, and the urethra.
Dermal, examples include cuts or infected, cellulitis is on the list, etc.
Bacterial diarrhea infection with gastrointestinal cause Clostridium difficile. Other STD’s or Sexually transmitted diseases
- Gonorrhea
- Chlamydia
- Syphilis
Middle Ear infections are commonly known as otitis media.
Nasal/Sinus infection; usually causes of common condition referred as sinusitis
Another interesting thing to be noted here is that though the antibiotics work with most of the bacterial infections, they have absolutely no significance regarding any of the viral infections, such as flu, a cold, or COVID-19. Misuse of antibiotics against viruses happens to be one of the causes contributing to the current situation at this stage of antibiotic resistance—a most distressing challenge in the world today.
Read more: Pharmacology Blogs for Fmge and Neet PG Preparation
Use of Antibiotics in an Appropriate Manner
Indeed, antibiotics are very potent; they should be used responsibly to gain the most benefits with the least harm. Misuse of antibiotics leads to various problems such as side effects, increased antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and even injuring the patient.
Some guidelines that are very important for using antibiotics responsibly are listed below:.
Take the whole course of antibiotics prescribed for you, even if you start feeling better before you complete your treatment. Antibiotics may not clear all bacteria from the body. It returns to the old state, and thus they cause more resistance.
Never Share Antibiotics: The antibiotics your doctor prescribed for you are only for the exact infection you carry. It would be dangerous and less effective when it is used on other individuals.
Do Not Abuse Them: Use the antibiotics as indicated, only if told to by your physician. Apply the antibiotics in cases of viral infections or about relatively minor diseases; all these will develop resistance.
Use antibiotics exactly as prescribed. Use the schedule for when and how often to take the antibiotic. Do not take them without a prescription, or they may not work properly.
Know side effects: Most antibiotics cause nasty side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, or allergic reactions. If you think that something is wrong, see your doctor right away.
Emerging Issue: Antibiotic Resistance
It is the stage where the bacteria are no longer responsive to the antibiotics, as they naturally die. This process is natural, but at a faster rate if the provided antibiotics exceed their demand and the proper use of them is neglected.
It implies that the machinery in bacteria enables them to consume the antibiotics produced. The produced infections cannot be controlled through applications of antibiotics as well as detention at the hospital’s ICU, bringing on a high case of mortality in the hospitals and ICUs, among others.
On how to overcome antibiotic resistance:
The antibiotic-resistant problem is across the globe, but there is more in an individual step for humanity.
Use antibiotics only when medically indicated. Use antibiotics only when prescribed by a health professional. Rest and rehydration can improve the patient’s immunity system to fight against the viruses and not the antibiotics when viral infections have occurred.
Complete the treatment course. Always complete an antibiotic course as prescribed, even if you are improving.
Prevention of Infections: Hygiene, along with routine performance of vaccination and hygienic food, prevents the appearance of infection
It would prevent self-medication: the antibiotic would be fetched from the prescription room, and the remaining antibiotic that the doctor was prescribing would be taken because of self-administration that would create the worst output.
