Antibiotics – Friend Or Enemy? How Do Antibiotics Work?!
Understanding Antibiotic – Friend Or Enemy? what You should Know?!
What is an Antibiotic?
Antibiotics are medicines that fight infections caused by bacteria in humans and animals by either killing the bacteria or making it difficult for the bacteria to grow and multiply. Antibiotic Resistance
Bacteria are germs. They live in the environment and all over the inside and outside of our bodies. Most bacteria are harmless and even helpful to people, but some can cause infections, like strep throat.
An antibiotic is an antimicrobial substance produced synthetically or from a microorganism that attempts to arrest or limit the growth of disease-producing bacteria.
The term biotic pertains to life. Ironically, pharmaceutical antibiotics [anti (against) biotic (life)] lower immunity and therefore weaken your life force as they attempt to kill harmful bacteria. Unfortunately, antibiotics kill beneficial as well as harmful bacteria.
Antibiotics,
Progress and a very important part of medicine. These medications are used to fight many infections caused by bacteria. The following facts about antibiotics will help you to understand how antibiotics work, the possible side effects, and the importance of taking antibiotics as prescribed by the health care provider.
Different types of antibiotics and what do they do?
Common forms of antibiotics include aminoglycosides, macrolides, penicillins, tetracyclines, and cephalosporins.
1. Aminoglycosides:
work by interfering with the protein formation of bacteria. Aminoglycosides include gentamicin, amikacin, and tobramycin. Side effects can include damage to the nerves of hearing and balance, as well as kidney injury.
2. Macrolide: Antibiotic Resistance
antibiotics interfere with the protein formation of bacteria during multiplication. Erythromycin is a macrolide. Side effects include gastrointestinal discomfort.
3. Penicillins:
(discovered by Sir Alexander Fleming in 1928) work by damaging the cell walls of the invading bacteria as the bacteria reproduce. Penicillin G and V are widely used for streptococcal and other bacterial infections. Broad-spectrum penicillins, such as ampicillin and amoxicillin, are used on a variety of infections caused by gram-negative organisms.
Hypersensitivity reactions, for example, a fever or a rash, are fairly common side effects of penicillin use. Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) rarely occur, but can be life-threatening.
4. Tetracyclines:
Which are active against a wide range of bacteria and other organisms, are thought to prevent the production of proteins in the invading bacterial cells. The tetracyclines include tetracycline and doxycycline.
Side effects of therapy may include gastrointestinal irritation, the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight, and liver and kidney injury. This group of drugs should not be administered during the last four to five months of pregnancy, nor should it be given to children before the age of eight years. Permanent discoloration of developing teeth may result.
5. And Cephalosporins:
Cephalosporins are relatively new antibiotics active against a wide range of bacteria. Like penicillins, they interfere with bacterial cell wall formation. A frequently used cephalosporin is cefaclor. Side effects include rashes and fever. Sometimes, persons allergic to penicillin will also be allergic to cephalosporins.
When Do We Use “Antibiotics”?
Antibiotics are usually used to treat infections caused by bacteria, such as tuberculosis, salmonella, and some forms of meningitis. However, they do not work against other organisms such as viruses or certain fungi.
It’s important to bear this in mind if you think you have some sort of infection, because viruses usually cause many common illnesses, particularly of the upper respiratory tract such as the common cold and sore throats, COVID-19.
I. A virus is:
a microscopic organism that lives as a parasite in plants, animals, and bacteria and consists of a nucleic acid core within a protein sheath. Most people who have a head cold, runny nose, cough, muscle ache, sore throat, and even a fever have a virus.
Viruses usually cause illness for 7-14 days and the symptoms can be treated with non-prescription drugs like herbal decongestants, cold formulas, and cough syrups.
Antibiotics do not work against viruses, only against bacteria.
II. Bacteria are single-celled:
Often parasitic microorganisms without a distinct nucleus or organized cell structure. There are good and bad bacteria. Many types of bacteria do not cause illness and live harmlessly on, and in, the human body. The bad bacteria cause serious illnesses such as pneumonia, meningitis, dysentery, and blood poisoning.
These illnesses can be life-threatening and can best be treated with antibiotics. If these bacteria become resistant, then it becomes very difficult, even impossible to treat them.
Overuse of antibiotics can lead to bacteria becoming resistant to them so it’s important to only take them when absolutely necessary.
So,
Antibiotics do not work for every illness, as it meant to cure the infections caused by bacteria, so one must consider this fact while taking any antibiotic. A doctor’s prescription is very important for taking antibiotics because a doctor can tell well that if a patient has a viral infection or bacterial infection.
Antibiotics should not be taken for viral illnesses,
Such as colds or the flu, COVID-19, because taking antibiotics in viral infections makes the illness worse as it enables the bacteria to resist the antibiotics. Take the antibiotics on Doctor’s professional prescription so that one gets to benefit from it.
The dosage of the antibiotics should be taken properly and regularly because once a patient misses any dose then it can result in resistance from bacteria, which will make the whole treatment ineffective.
Some of the symptoms of the onset of any bacterial infection are:
- Red throat and tonsils.
- Difficulty in swallowing.
- Fever ranges above 101 degrees.
- Swollen and tender lymph nodes in the neck.
- Headache.
- Shivers and shaking with cold sweats.
- Often nausea.
- Vomiting and abdominal pain in children.
So, What DO antibiotics treat?
Antibiotics ONLY treat certain infections caused by bacteria, such as:
- Strep throat.
- Whooping cough.
- Urinary tract infection (UTI).
Antibiotics are also needed to treat life-threatening conditions caused by bacteria, such as sepsis, which is the body’s extreme response to infection.
Antibiotics also ARE NOT needed for some common bacterial infections, including:
- Many sinus infections.
- Some ear infections.
This is because these illnesses will usually get better on their own, without antibiotics. Taking antibiotics when they’re not needed won’t help you, and their side effects can still cause harm.
What DO NOT antibiotics treat?
Antibiotics DO NOT work on viruses, such as those that cause:
- Colds and runny noses, even if the mucus is thick, yellow, or green.
- Most sore throats (except strep throat).
- Flu.
- Most cases of chest colds (bronchitis).
What Happens When We Use Antibiotics?
The more you use pharmaceutical antibiotics, the more bacteria become resistant to them. How does this happen? The answer lies in the marvel of nature and the abilities that it bestows upon its inhabitants to protect themselves against predators.
For example,
When you use a pharmaceutical antibiotic, it kills off only the susceptible bacteria and is powerless against bacteria that are resistant.
Bacteria are resistant because they have genes coded for antibiotic resistance,
What do we mean by resistance?
Antibiotic resistance happens when the germs no longer respond to the antibiotics designed to kill them. That means the germs are not killed and continue to grow. It does not mean our body is resistant to antibiotics.
Bacteria and fungi are constantly finding new ways to avoid the effects of the antibiotics used to treat the infections they cause.
Infections caused by antibiotic-resistant germs are difficult and sometimes impossible, to treat. In many cases, antibiotic-resistant infections require extended hospital stays, additional follow-up doctor visits, and costly and toxic alternatives.
Overuse of antibiotics leads to antibiotic resistance.
How can taking antibiotics contribute to antibiotic resistance?
Anytime antibiotics are used, they can contribute to antibiotic resistance. This is because increases in antibiotic resistance are driven by a combination of germs exposed to antibiotics and the spread of those germs and their mechanisms of resistance.
When antibiotics are needed, the benefits usually outweigh the risks of antibiotic resistance. However, too many antibiotics are being used unnecessarily and misused, which threatens the usefulness of these important drugs.
For example,
too many antibiotics are being prescribed unnecessarily to humans in the United States. CDC estimates about 47 million antibiotic courses are prescribed for infections that don’t need antibiotics, like for colds and the flu, in U.S. doctors’ offices and emergency departments each year. That’s about 30% of all antibiotics prescribed in these settings.
Everyone has a role to play in improving antibiotic use. Appropriate antibiotic use helps fight antibiotic resistance and ensures these lifesaving drugs will be available for future generations.
When Does the Misuse of antibiotics Occur?
Misuse of antibiotics happens when a person is prescribed:
- The wrong antibiotic,
- Wrong dose of an antibiotic, or
- an antibiotic for the wrong length of time.
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment for your illness.
We have to know that Bacteria are Like other creatures,
Live by the law of survival of the fittest. Bacteria continue to evolve toward a stronger strain to fight against the myriad types of antibiotics. They can also evolve within regional differences to resist an antibiotic attack.
For example, Antibiotics used for ear infections in one region of the country may not be useful for the same type of infection in another region.
So, Why should You care about antibiotic resistance?
Antibiotic resistance can affect any person, at any stage of life. People receiving health care or those with weakened immune systems are often at higher risk of getting an infection.
Antibiotic resistance jeopardizes advancements in modern health care that we have come to rely on, such as:
- Joint replacements.
- Organ transplants.
- And cancer therapy.
These procedures have a significant risk of infection, and patients won’t be able to receive them if effective antibiotics are not available. Aside from healthcare, antibiotic resistance also impacts the veterinary and agriculture industries.
Here’re Side Effects Of Misusing Antibiotics:
- Antibiotics lower the immune system and destroy essential intestinal flora. Without intestinal flora to suppress fungus, the fungus begins to grow within the body.
- Even though the antibiotic may kill the bacteria, it supports detrimental Candida albicans yeast / fungal overgrowth that is linked to numerous ailments such as:
- Ear infections.
- Itchy skin.
- Intestinal gas.
- Bloated abdomen.
- Nausea
- Diarrhea.
- Rash.
- Furry tongue.
- Migraine headaches.
- Fibromyalgia, etc.
More serious side effects can include:
- C. diff infection, which causes diarrhea that can lead to severe colon damage and death.
- Severe and life-threatening allergic reactions.
- Antibiotic-resistant infections.
Call your doctor if you develop any side effects while taking your antibiotic.
Safety Precautions to Avoid Antibiotic Resistance:
Protect yourself and your family from antibiotic resistance by:
- Doing your best to stay healthy and keep others healthy.
- Cleaning hands.
- Covering coughs.
- Staying home when sick, and,
- Getting recommended vaccines, such as the flu vaccine.
Taking antibiotics only when they are needed is an important way you can protect yourself and your family from antibiotic resistance. Talk to your doctor about the best treatment if you are sick. Never pressure your doctor to prescribe an antibiotic.
When antibiotics aren’t needed, they won’t help you, and their side effects could still cause harm. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about steps you can take to feel better when an antibiotic isn’t needed.
If your doctor decides an antibiotic is the best treatment when you are sick:
- Take the antibiotic exactly as your doctor tells you.
- Do not:
- Share your antibiotic with others.
- Save them for later. Talk to your pharmacist about safely discarding leftover medicines.
- Do not take antibiotics prescribed for someone else. This may delay the best treatment for you, make you even sicker, or cause side effects.
- Talk with your doctor and pharmacist if you have any questions about your antibiotics.
- Complete the full course of prescribed antibiotics, even if you feel recovered in the mid of the course, because if you left taking it in the mid of the course then there is a possibility that the bacteria may get a chance to grow again and develop resistance, and then you will be supposed to take stronger antibiotics to recover that second attack.
- Make sure to mention clearly the allergies you have with all sorts of elements, mainly food and medicines.
- Get a proper and healthy diet with antibiotics so your immune system grows stronger and able to fight infections.
Always consult your doctor before taking any medications or before stopping to use the prescribed course in order to avoid any side effects caused by them or a worse result.
Antibiotic Alternatives, Probiotics: Nature’s Way of Caring for the Body:
In nature, specific plants exist that can be used with all of their naturally occurring elements intact (rather than isolated as with drugs) to boost immunity, and to fight bacteria, viruses and fungi without the adverse side effects of pharmaceutical antibiotics.
Other than antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, some botanicals that act as a probiotic [pro (for) biotic (life)] also interrupt the process of platelet aggregation:
the clumping of platelets in the blood that may cause strokes and various heart conditions. Furthermore, certain plant constituents can demobilize and break down the spikes of viruses that bore through healthy cells and leave the host prey to infection and disease.
Your Choices Determine Your Health:
How you choose to care for your life extends to the choices you make for your health. When chemical substances are isolated as with pharmaceutical antibiotics, adverse reactions may develop due to a disruption of the body’s natural processes. Pharmaceutical antibiotics are known to lower immunity and therefore weaken your life force.
Probiotic formulations — life-enhancing formulations:
Boost immunity by nourishing the cells, organs, and various other life-giving aspects of your body. These natural formulations work with the body during the healing process without adverse side-effects. Furthermore, they aim not only at the susceptible bacteria but also at viruses and fungi.
Nature works with nature. Human beings are natural entities. Understanding and implementing natural methods of self-care greatly improves your health.
Food Plan to Recover Beneficial Bacteria, And Boost Your Immune System:
Antibiotics are fantastic at killing both the bad and good bacteria in your intestines, which can cause some not so pleasant symptoms – diarrhea, flatulence, stomach upsets, and yeast infections. So including acidophilus in your diet, will encourage the growth of your natural intestinal flora and restore the natural balance within your gut.
If for some reason you have had to go on a course of antibiotics, try to boost your natural immune system and follow this recovery plan:
- Stay away from sugar or artificial sweeteners. Use Stevia or Lo-Han instead.
- Avoid mushrooms and cheese. No yeasty foods, like bread, rolls, or beer.
- Eliminate fruits and fruit juices (except for tart apples).
- Cut down on grains. After two weeks introduce gluten-free whole grains like Quinoa, corn, or millet.
- Don’t drink coffee, tea, herb tea, or coffee substitutes as they often harbor molds.
- Avoid supermarket salad dressings, vinegar, soy or Worcestershire sauce, and horseradish.
- Drink anti-fungal teas like angelica root, bergamot, hyssop, chamomile, and alfalfa.
- Eat unsweetened, plain yogurt, or kefir that contain lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidus, and Bulgaricus.
- Use olive oil to cook with as a dressing on salads and vegetables.
- Drink organic, green vegetable juices.
- Use raw almond butter.
- Cook with garlic. It contains allicin, a natural anti-fungal chemical.
- Take grape seed extract in the water the last thing at night.
- Take an antioxidant supplement that includes vitamins E, A, and C (among others) zinc, and selenium.
For this dietary plan to be effective:
it should be continued for at least 4 to 6 weeks, however, before beginning, any dietary program always checks with your doctor first. When coming off the plan you can try eating foods you have cut out, one at a time to see how they make you feel.
If you get gas or bloating stop taking the food for another few weeks. Following this plan for the recommended amount of time will help boost your immune system and help you to stay healthy.
Summing Up:
Antibiotics are important to treat infections and have saved countless lives. However, anytime antibiotics are used, they can cause side effects and contribute to antibiotic resistance, one of the most urgent threats to the public’s health.
When antibiotics are needed,
The benefits usually outweigh the risks of side effects or antibiotic resistance. However, too many antibiotics are prescribed unnecessarily and misused, which threatens the usefulness of these important drugs.
This is why it’s important that we all use antibiotics ONLY when we need them to protect us from harm caused by unnecessary antibiotic use and to combat antibiotic resistance.
Unnecessary antibiotic use happens when a person:
- Has prescribed antibiotics when they’re not needed, such as for colds and flu.
- Is prescribed antibiotics for infections that are sometimes caused by bacteria that do not always need antibiotics, like many sinus infections and some ear infections.
Finally,
Are antibiotics effective in preventing and treating the new coronavirus?
No, antibiotics do not work against viruses, only bacteria.
The new coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a virus and, therefore, antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment. However, if you are hospitalized for the 2019-nCoV, you may receive antibiotics because bacterial co-infection is possible.
Disclaimer: “Nothing in this article makes any claim to offer cures or treatment for any disease or illness. If you are sick please consult with your doctor.”
Sources
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