Antibiotics: The powerful medicine

Source: www.telegraph.co.uk

I take antibiotic for my tonsillitis after taking one an hour after I felt something in my left eye, when I look at it become larger as usual, I go back to the doctor and told it, he changed my antibiotic, that is one side effect of antibiotic if it not suite to you.

Antibiotics are powerful medicines that fight bacterial infections. It can save your lives. They either kill bacteria or keep them from reproducing. Your body's natural defenses can usually take it from there. Antibiotic means, "Anti" Greek word means "against", and "bios" means "life" (bacteria are life forms).
 
Antibiotics only work against infections caused by bacteria, fungi and certain parasites. They don't work against any infections caused by viruses. Viruses cause colds, the flu and most coughs and sore throats. Unless caused by strep. If a virus is making you sick, taking antibiotics may do more harm than good. Each time you take antibiotics, you increase the chances that bacteria in your body will be able to resist them. Later, you could get or spread an infection that those antibiotics cannot cure.


What is "antibiotic resistance?"
 
“Antibiotic resistance” and “bacterial resistance” are two ways of describing the same thing. Antibiotics kill bacteria or stop them from growing. But some bacteria have become resistant to some types of antibiotics. The antibiotics are no longer work against them. They become resistant more quickly when antibiotics are used too often, not used correctly or not taking a full course of antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor. Antibiotics can be lifesavers, but misuse has increased the number of drug-resistant germs. If you think antibiotic resistance isn't a problem or doesn't affect you, think again. A prominent example of the dangers of antibiotic resistance is the spread of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA),  a bacterium responsible for several difficult-to-treat infections in humans. 

Antibiotics either stop bacteria from reproducing or kill them. But your body has a natural defenses can usually take it from there. Our body's immune system can usually destroy them. We have special white blood cells that attack harmful bacteria. Even if symptoms do occur, our immune system can usually cope and fight off the infection, however, when it is all too much, we need the help of antibiotics.


There are several different types of modern antibiotics and they are only available with a doctor's prescription.
 
The first antibiotic was penicillin. Such penicillin-related antibiotics as ampicillin, amoxicillin and benzylpenicilllin are widely used today to treat a variety of infections
When you take antibiotics, follow the directions carefully. It is important to finish your medicine even if you feel better. If you stop treatment too soon, some bacteria may survive and re-infect you. Do not save antibiotics for later or use someone else's prescription.

Several side effect of antibiotic.

• Formation of kidney stones (when taking sulphonamides).
• Abnormal blood clotting (when taking some cephalosporins).
• Sensitivity to sun (when taking tetracyclines).
• Blood disorders (when taking trimethoprim).
• Deafness (when taking erythromycin and the aminoglycosides).
• Inflamed bowels (a type of colitis) which can lead to severe diarrhea when taking Clindamycin, an antibiotic used for the most serious infections.
• Allergic Reaction
• Some has an allergic reaction to antibiotics especially in penicillins. Side effects might include a rash, swelling of the tongue and face, and difficulty breathing. If you have ever had an allergic reaction to an antibiotic you must tell your doctor and/or pharmacist.
• Reactions to antibiotics can be very serious, and sometimes fatal they are called anaphylactic reactions.
• Use antibiotics with extreme caution and inform your doctor if you are/have:
• Reduced liver or kidney function. Pregnant Breastfeeding or taking other medicines or herbal remedies
• Some antibiotics should not be consumed with certain foods and drinks. Others should not be taken with food in your stomach these would normally be taken about an hour before meals, or two hours after. Follow the instructions correctly if you want the medication to be effective. If you are taking metronidazole do not consume alcohol.
• Do not consume Dairy products if you are taking tetracyclines, as they might affect the absorption of the medication.

Guidelines to know if you need to take antibiotics.

• Colds and flu. Viruses’ cause these illnesses can't be cured with antibiotics. Cough or bronchitis. But if you have a problem with your lungs or an illness that lasts a long time, bacteria may actually be the cause. Your doctor may decide if you need an antibiotic.
• Sore throat. Most sore throats are caused by viruses and don't need antibiotics. But strep throat is caused by bacteria. 
• Ear infections.There is several types of ear infections. Antibiotics are used for some but not all ear infections.
• Sinus infections. Antibiotics are often used to treat sinus infections. A runny nose and yellow or green mucus do not necessarily mean you need an antibiotic.

 How to prevent the spread of germs?

• Good hygiene goes a long way in preventing infection.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the toilet, changing a diaper, or handling raw meat or poultry.
• Keep food preparation areas clean. Although special antibacterial cleaners and soap are widely available, they aren't necessary. Plain soap and water work fine to kill germs in most settings.
• Never take antibiotics without a prescription, ask your doctor first

Prevention is better than  medicine,

Source/References:

• FamilyDoctor.  
• NLM.  
• Medicalnews.