Antibiotics are medicines that help stop infections caused by bacteria. They do this by killing the bacteria or by keeping them from copying themselves or reproducing. The word antibiotic means “against life.” Any drug that kills germs in your body is technically an antibiotic, but most people use the term when they’re talking about medicine that kills bacteria.
History of Antibiotics
Scientists introduced the first antibiotic, salvarsan, in the early 1900s. Since then, antibiotics have changed medicine and added about 23 years to the average human lifespan. Penicillin’s discovery in 1928 marked the start of a golden era in finding natural antibiotics, peaking in the 1950s.
How Antibiotics Work
Antibiotics are made in nature by soil bacteria and fungi, which are then fermented on an industrial scale for mass production. You can take antibiotics in a few ways, including: Antibiotic pills These can be tablets or capsules, and you’ll take them to treat a mild or moderate infection. Antibiotic injections This is when you get a shot directly into your blood or muscle. You may need it for a serious infection. Antibiotic topicals You put these antibiotics on your skin as a cream, lotion, spray, or drops.
Types of Antibiotics
Doctors classify antibiotics into six groups: Penicillins. You’ll take penicillin to treat a range of infections, including those of the skin, chest, and urinary tract. Cephalosporins. These treat more serious infections such as meningitis. Aminoglycosides. You’ll probably only take these antibiotics in the hospital to treat a serious illness. Tetracyclines. You’ll use these medicines for acne and rosacea Macrolides. Your doctor may prescribe a macrolide as a substitute for penicillin to treat a lung or chest infection. Fluoroquinolones. Doctors use these to treat different types of infections.
When to Take Antibiotics
You should only take antibiotics when necessary and follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Using antibiotics too much or when they’re not needed can make bacteria resistant to them, making infections more challenging to treat. Antibiotics help fight bacterial infections by killing bacteria or stopping them from multiplying.
Side Effects of Antibiotics
Common side effects include: Occasionally, you may have other symptoms, like: These symptoms can mean you’re allergic to your antibiotic, so if you have them, let your doctor know right away. How long does nausea from antibiotics last? You may feel sick to your stomach for the entire course of your treatment.
Preventing Antibiotic Resistance
Bacteria adapt over time and become “super bacteria” or “superbugs.” They change so that antibiotics no longer work on them. They pose a big threat because there aren’t any medicines to kill them. The best way to help slow the spread of super bacteria is by being smart with antibiotics.
Get Tested, Get Treated
Don’t wait – get tested and treated for bacterial infections today! Call us at +256 772 530 434 or visit our clinic in Kumi, Uganda to schedule an appointment. Our medical team is here to help you feel better.
Learn more about antibiotic safety and how to use antibiotics properly by visiting www.michoesmedicalcentre.com. Follow us on social media for the latest updates on healthcare and wellness in Uganda!
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