Before the advent of antibiotics, bacterial infections were a serious threat to human health. Even the slightest scratch or simple infection could be fatal, as there were no effective methods to combat them. It was only with the development of medicine and pharmacology that mankind was able to effectively fight a multitude of diseases, which significantly improved the quality of life and increased life expectancy.
However, over time it became obvious that uncontrolled use of antibiotics can lead to negative consequences. These drugs destroy not only harmful bacteria, but also disrupt the balance of the body’s normal microflora. Over time, many pathogenic microorganisms have become resistant to antibiotics, making their treatment increasingly difficult and requiring careful use.
Why the gut needs bacterial diversity
There are trillions of bacteria living in the human gut, which can be divided into good, neutral and bad (pathogenic) bacteria. Normally, there is a balance between them – the good ones maintain order in the gut, preventing the pathogenic ones from multiplying and wreaking havoc.
The intestinal microbiota is an intelligent ecosystem that is responsible for the breakdown of food, synthesis of beneficial acids and vitamins, immunity and protection of the intestinal walls.
From our earliest days of life, gut bacteria learn to interact with the immune system so that it recognizes and attacks only foreign microorganisms.
But when the microbiota is not balanced, there is a risk that communication with the immune system will break down and it will direct its destructive action against the host organism. When several species of good bacteria die, immunity is reduced. This gives pathogens the opportunity to multiply, which increases the risk of infections and inflammation.
When to use antibiotics
The inappropriate and frequent use of antibiotics has worried the medical and scientific communities. Experts recommend resorting to the use of antibiotics only in the following cases:
- Diseases that are difficult to treat without antibiotic.
- Diseases with a high risk of transmission to others.
- Diseases that are too long to treat without antibiotic.
- Diseases that are at risk of serious complications.
People at high risk, such as those with chronic diseases, are sometimes prescribed antibiotics as a preventive measure.
Antibiotics are only effective against bacteria; they are powerless against viruses. Therefore, in order to prescribe an antibiotic, it is necessary to make sure that the source of infection is a bacterium and not a virus. Only a doctor can distinguish between bacterial and viral infections.
How antibiotics affect the body
Despite the effectiveness of antibiotics in fighting bacterial infections, taking these drugs is associated with a number of adverse reactions.
1. Allergic reactions
In the United States, 140,000 people are admitted to the emergency department each year with allergic reactions to antibiotics. These reactions include:
- Rash;
- Itching;
- Diarrhea, constipation, bloating;
- Swelling of the face and airways;
- Breathing problems.
Some studies show that antibiotic use in children’s first year of life increases the risk of asthma, allergic reactions, and autoimmune diseases. Scientists also believe that these drugs play a role in the development of obesity.
2. Antibiotic resistance
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of deaths from infectious diseases is expected to increase dramatically in the coming decades. This is due to the resistance that bacteria develop to the antibiotics used.
3. Increased risk of infection with the pathogenic bacterium Clostridium difficile
C. difficile causes enterocolitis, the symptoms of which can range from mild diarrhea to sepsis. When you take antibiotic, the bacteria that protect your intestines from infection die. This is when C. difficile can more easily enter the body and trigger inflammation. The main sources of this pathogen are contaminated surfaces, especially in healthcare facilities.
4. Disruption of the balance of gut bacteria
The widespread use of antibiotic not only leads to bacterial resistance to the drugs. It also causes an imbalance of gut microflora or dysbiosis, which in the long run can lead to metabolic disturbances and immune system malfunctions.
If you have started a course of antibiotics, be sure to finish it completely, even if you have started to feel better. Ending a course prematurely helps bacteria develop resistance to the antibiotic and increases the risk of re-infection.
In which cases it is possible to cope without antibiotic
Often doctors mistakenly prescribe antibiotics for infections caused by viruses, or prescribe a broad-spectrum drug when it is necessary to use agents aimed at fighting only certain bacteria.
In the past, antimicrobials were used to treat chest infections, ear infections in children, and sore throats. With the advancement of science and medicine, it has become clear that antibiotic can be avoided in treating these conditions.
Types of conditions that should not be treated with antibiotics without a doctor’s order:
- Cold/runny nose
- Bronchitis/chest colds in healthy children and adults;
- Flu;
- Sore throat;
- Fluid in the middle ear.
How to take antibiotics correctly
The instructions for use or a prescription from your doctor for each antibiotic usually tell you whether to take it with or after meals.
Following the rules is key to the drugs’ effectiveness and good health. Some antibiotics are best taken with food to avoid side effects like nausea or vomiting.
Conclusion
Antibiotics have played a key role in the fight against bacterial infections, saving millions of lives. However, their uncontrolled and frequent use can lead to serious consequences such as disruption of microbiota, development of bacterial resistance and side effects. It is very important to use antibiotics only as prescribed by a doctor, in strictly limited cases and in compliance with all recommendations on dosage and duration of treatment. Taking care of your health and a reasonable attitude to treatment will help avoid negative consequences and maintain balance in the body, contributing to long-term health maintenance.
