Antibiotics are drugs that work against bacterial growth, either by killing the bacteria or slowing it. The chemicals contained in antibiotics are produced by taking the characteristic traits of microorganisms such as fungi or bacteria. The discoverer of antibiotics is Alexander Fleming, in 1928. This marked a significant turning point in the field of medical science.
Antibiotics generally work in two ways. They either kill the bacteria, or stop it from reproducing. The antibiotics that kill bacteria are known as bactericidal. An example would be Penicillin. They usually stop the bacteria from producing their cell walls by interfering with the related chemical processes, thus killing it.
The antibiotics that stop bacterial growth and reproduction are known as bacteriostatic antibiotics, with erythromycin being an example. Though they do not kill the bacteria directly, they are still very effective. This is because most bacteria do not have a large lifespan, and as they cannot reproduce, the cluster dies altogether.
Antibiotics are known to be very beneficial and very effective when it comes to curing diseases resulting from bacterial infections. And similar to all the other drugs, they can also cause a few side effects as well. Although the side effects of antibiotics may not be life-threatening, they may be troublesome to those who are being treated.
Side effects are temporary and not that serious, and usually differ between antibiotics. They are also signs that the medication is having a positive effect. The most common side effects experienced are diarrhea, queasiness and the occasional vomiting. Few patients sometimes suffer from fever. Fungal infections such as thrush can also form inside the mouth, the digestion area and also the vagina. This is because antibiotics attack all bacteria, the bad ones – those that make you sick, and the good ones – those that stop the excess formation of microorganisms such as fungi.
Side effects may also occur due to allergic reactions, though not many people are known to be allergic to antibiotics. The most common antibiotic to react because of allergies is Penicillin. The effects caused by allergic reactions are generally swelling on the face, formation of rashes on the skin followed by itching; and in a few, more serious situations, breathing difficulties. If an individual is suffering from such allergic reactions, immediate treatment is deemed necessary.
There are very few references to more serious illnesses caused by antibiotics. They are very rare, but may happen to a few people. Such serious problems include difficulties encountered with blood clotting and a few other disorders, kidney problems such as formations of stones, being more sensitive to the sun, and possible deafness. Antibiotics can also react adversely with other drugs being taken at that time, which can also cause side effects to occur.
Though antibiotics cause side effects, they are nothing to fret over. Most side effects are minimal, and they bring forth more benefits than distress. Antibiotics are sometimes the easiest cure to certain diseases, and generally the painless one. But like all other medication, one should never take antibiotics without first consulting a doctor.