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Writer's pictureVinti Majethia

All about Antibiotics: What you need to know

Antibiotics are powerful medicines that prevent bacteria from reproducing and destroying them. They are an extremely effective range of medications used in treating various bacterial infections in humans and animals. These antimicrobial drugs are obtained in nature from different organisms like molds, fungi, and certain soil bacteria. 


Before the disease-carrying bacteria multiply, the immune system usually fights against them. However, when the number of bacteria is excessive, and the immune system cannot resist it, antibiotics are utilized. But, they also carry some potential side effects. 


Scientists first introduced the antibiotic, salvarsan in the early 1900s. Ever since then, a revolution has been observed in medicine, pharmacology, and the healthcare industry. This has resulted in an increase of 23 years in the average human life span. It is also known as the first antimicrobial agent. The accidental discovery of penicillin in 1928 by the legendary Scottish physician and microbiologist Alexander Flemming, it is estimated that over 500 million lives have been saved. 


While antibiotics have saved countless lives, the side effects of these medications are of a wide variety. It can result in rashes, yeast infections, nausea, upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea in most cases. At the same time, serious instances can include, life-threatening allergic reactions, antibiotic resistance infections, and so on. 


One’s body can also easily develop antibiotic resistance. It is when the bacteria in our body stop responding to the drugs ingested which were made to kill them. It can be caused by ingesting the wrong antibiotics, inappropriate prescriptions, and overuse of antibiotics.


Antibiotic resistance has the potential to result in a greater incidence of the disease, a decrease in the effectiveness of the medication, and deficient results. 


These drugs can be taken in different ways: 

  • Ingested orally in the form of tablets, pills, and liquids. 

  • Through injections or intravenously (IV), this is usually for serious infections. 

  • Topically by creams, ointments, and sprays. 

All of these are prescribed by the doctor on the basis of severity and the site of infection. These are given when the immunity system fails to protect against the bacteria or is fragile.

 

While antibiotics are beneficial and highly acclaimed in modern allopathic medicine; it is important to note that they do carry harmful side effects and must be taken with a licensed doctor’s advice. They are extremely effective in making one free of most bacterial infections and have also increased the average life span of humans. This revolution in the medical field will keep progressing making access to and usage of these drugs easier and more accessible.


Written by: Vinti

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