Antibiotics are not the best option for treating diseases. But, nevertheless, for almost any inflammatory or infectious disease, doctors for some reason prescribe antibiotics. Why? It’s hard to understand. And most importantly, what do we get as a result – tangible benefits or harm? Do I need to fight viruses and bacteria with antibacterials, or are there other effective methods?
Antibiotics: a bit of theory
Antibiotics are designed to fight bacteria and viruses. What is it (viruses and bacteria)?
Bacteria are the simplest single-celled microorganisms. Their size is so small that it is simply impossible to notice them with a simple human eye. Bacteria live on our skin, in the mucous membranes, in the oral cavity, and in internal organs. Not all of us know that bacteria live inside us, multiply rapidly and affect internal organs and vital systems. Some bacteria are considered useful, they really need us, in particular – for fast digestion of food. Therefore, not all bacteria need to be combated with antibiotics. Other “pests” can lead to otitis media, inflammation of internal organs, infectious diseases of the urinary tract, as well as angina.
Viruses are micro-organisms that are smaller in size than bacteria. Viruses, penetrating the human body, very quickly affect the internal organs. Most often, viruses affect the upper respiratory tract, provoking SARS, flu, sore throats and other inflammatory processes. Severe viruses by their nature are hepatitis, chickenpox, measles, HIV, AIDS.
The effectiveness of antibiotics
Not all antibacterials drugs are effective. Even if they are used correctly, according to the instructions for use, they are not able to destroy the virus that provoked infectious processes. Recently, the use of antibacterial drugs is increasingly provoking the occurrence of side effects, both in adults and in children. In some patients, after treatment with antibiotics, the stage of getting used to them begins, that is, the body becomes resistant to their effects, due to which the necessary effect of the drug is reduced to zero.
Can children take antibiotics?
Yes, antibacterials pills for children are produced and most often in the form of tablets, various powder solutions, capsules. You can even find antibiotics in the form of chewable tablets (everything is done to ensure that children are treated).
The principle of action
Consider the basic principle of action of antibiotics. Penetrating the body, the active substances of antibiotics are aimed at fighting viruses and infections. Their action (antibiotics) is based on the fact that bacteria and viruses stop multiplying and developing.
Antibiotics in the form of penicillins completely destroy bacteria; tetracycline drugs (tetracycline and erythromycin) stop the growth of bacteria, as a result of which the infection does not spread further through the body, and the immune system begins to actively fight the pathogens of the infectious process.
Side effect
Since antibacterial drugs are primarily a medicine, it has a number of side effects. Naturally, it is not recommended to take antibiotics just for your own desire or as a preventive measure.
Side effects are shown in the form of:
- Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract (the patient is concerned about vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain);
- After taking penicillin, the skin may develop a rash, itching and burning;
- There are problems with the upper respiratory tract – very difficult, heavy breathing.
If after taking antibiotics, the person’s health has deteriorated sharply, then you should urgently call an ambulance.
Antibiotics for prevention
Given how common many infections are, in particular, the same SARS, most patients believe that antibiotics can be easily used as a preventive treatment for infectious processes. Antibiotics for the prevention of diseases should be prescribed by the attending physician and only for indications. In some cases, can be treated with antibiotics?
- If there are infections of the urethra (if they bother the patient several times a year);
- If a child or an adult has previously been diagnosed with acute rheumatic fever (penicillin is prescribed for its prevention);
- If an adult or child has been bitten by an animal, an antibiotic is prescribed to prevent the development of an infectious process in the body;
- Antibiotics are prescribed in 90% of clinical cases before surgery to prevent infection from entering the blood and internal organs. The dosage should be one-time, the medication is taken 30 minutes before the operation.
Antibiotics for prevention are prescribed with a minimum course (the number of days of administration). Normally, special tests should be performed before taking an antibacterials.