The abuse, overdose, and severe side effects of antibiotics have long been under scrutiny.
Researchers think antibiotics can be more harmful than helpful if abused. For instance, they can damage good flora in the gut and make germs more resistant to therapy.
Antibiotics can now be shown to harm immune cells and exacerbate oral infections, according to a recent Case Western Reserve University study.
It’s critical to keep in mind that only diseases brought on by bacteria and parasites can be treated with antibiotics. A particular kind of germ known as a parasite needs another living thing to survive (host). Antibiotics are futile for treating infections brought on by viruses (like the flu or the common cold), fungi (like vaginal thrush or oral thrush), or fungal infections of the thigh.
Researchers emphasize that before administering antibiotics to treat an infection, doctors must be certain that they are truly necessary.
The study revealed that excessive antibiotic use is not healthy.
Many medical professionals advise taking probiotics in addition to antibiotics to retain good bacteria and restore healthy flora, even if antibiotics are often a critical and life-saving treatment for more serious medical conditions.
Failure to complete the prescribed course of therapy merely fosters the growth of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.
Your immune system might not be capable of handling the challenge if you stop too soon the next time you’re not feeling so hot.
Key facts to know about Antibiotic safety
Antibiotic side effects encompasses allergic reactions and severe, possibly fatal diarrhea brought on by the bacterium Clostridium difficile (C. diff). Additionally, antibiotics may conflict with other medications you’re taking.
Almost one in five trips to the emergency room are brought on by antibiotic side effects. For kids under the age of 18, they are the key reason for visits to the emergency care.
You unnecessarily expose yourself to the negative effects of the antibiotic you take and receive no benefit from it.
Antibiotic resistance may arise as a result of using an antibiotic that you don’t need. Antibiotics may lose their ability to treat infections once resistance develops. Your risk of later developing a resistant infection rises with each antibiotic you take that you don’t need.
Side effects related to Antibiotics
More than 140,000 admissions to the health facility are due to allergic reactions to antibiotics each year. About four out of every five trips to the emergency room for antibiotic-related side effects are brought on by an allergic reaction. These reactions can range in severity from minor rashes and itching to intense, blistering skin reactions, facial and throat swelling, and breathing difficulties. The greatest method to lower the risk of antibiotic side effects is to minimize needless antibiotic use. You must disclose to your doctor any allergies or previous drug reactions.
Some illnesses caused by viruses that can’t be treated by Antibiotics
Most upper respiratory diseases, such as colds, sore throats, bronchitis, and sinus infections, are brought on by viruses. Antibiotics are weak against viruses.
Antibiotics are ineffective against the common cold and influenza. Bacteria are responsible for less than 10% of cases of acute bronchitis. The majority of acute ear infections heal without the use of antibiotics.
Viruses are frequently to responsible for sore throats as well. Unless you have strep throat, antibiotics are not advised. Only a small percentage of sore throat cases between 15 and 30 percent in children and up to 10 percent in adults are caused by strep throat.
Most cases of acute bacterial sinusitis heal on their own without the need for medications.