The Dangers of Inappropriate Antimicrobials Intake.

A few days ago, I wrote about the scientific breakdown of antibiotics, and why antimicrobials may have an adverse effect on our health, but I did not mention what really happens to the body when we put it through an excessive intake of antimicrobials and that is what I will be writing about today. If you have not read my previous post, read about it Here.

The benefit and risk associated with the use of antimicrobials remain a controversial and complex issue, especially with the several benefited claims that have not been demonstrated on a large scale. This, however, does not change the fact that there are benefits and downsides to the use of antimicrobial drugs.

pexels

Viruses cannot be treated with antibiotics. The virus remains the major cause of most upper respiratory infections that happen, some of those infections are; sore throats, sinus infections, bronchitis, and head colds. The common cold does not respond to antibiotics. Less than 10% of serious bronchitis is caused by bacteria, and most cases of serious ear infections can also be resolved with antibiotics.

Antibiotics are not recommended for sore throats except for cases of strep throat. It is only about 15%-30% of sore throat cases in children are step throat, and 10% of sore throat cases in adults are due to strep throat.

Generally, antibiotics are powerful and really safe drugs, they remain highly helpful when it comes to fighting diseases, but as mentioned earlier, they can get really harmful to the body, especially when used excessively. Let's take a look at some of the side effects associated with antibiotics;

Fungal Infection: Antibiotics destroy harmful bacteria in the body but during the process of destroying these harmful bacteria, the good ones are also destroyed, this upsets the natural balance of the body's natural flora creating an imbalance in the body. The product of this imbalance, the intake of antibiotics may result in a mouth infection, infection of the vigana, or even infection of the digestive tract.

pexels

C.difficile: This is a bacteria type that causes diarrhea, this diarrhea is linked to around 14,000 death in America every year. With the intake of antibiotics, some type of good bacteria that would normally protect the body against certain types of infection gets destroyed for some months, within the time when this good bacteria is destroyed in the body, C.difficile can be picked up through the spread in healthcare places, contaminated surfaces. Older adults are usually the ones at risk of antibiotics but this is not to say it doesn't affect both children and young adults too.

Antibiotic resistance: This is one of the most popular issues associated with the intake of antibiotics, the use of antibiotics has the ability to increase the resistance of bacteria. Infections that are antibiotic resistant, can be highly difficult to treat.

Allergic reaction: There are often several emergencies associated with antibiotic reactions. These allergic reactions could range from minor rashes to itching, and then to serious blisters around the skin, swelling of the throat and face, and breathing problem that is also not left out.

Digestive problems: Digestive symptoms include; vomiting, nausea, indigestion, stomach pain, loss of appetite, and bloating. Antibiotics can either be taken with food or on an empty stomach, there should be a detailed description from the doctor on how the medication should be taken, either it should be with food or on an empty stomach. Once the intake of antibiotics stops in most cases, the digestive issues naturally disappear, the moment you begin to experience severe abdominal pain, uncontrolled vomiting, or bloody diarrhea, ensure that you contact a medical expert instantly.

The intake of antibiotics for the majority of acute upper respiratory tract infections does little or no good to the body, the associated downsides are real.

Drug Interaction: Antibiotics have the ability to interact with other types of drugs you take, this will make the antibiotics become even less effective, there is a certain combination of drugs that would even worsen the already existing effect of antibiotic intake. The most common side effect of antibiotics are; diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain, sometimes with inadequate treatment, the symptom would lead to dehydration and even other conditions.

It is general knowledge to avoid the intake of alcohol when taking antibiotics. The intake of alcohol while taking some antibiotics will decrease the effectiveness of the antibiotics. Questions should be asked from a medical expert before trying to consume alcohol while taking antibiotics.

Photosensitivity: Some antibiotics could make the skin become super sensitive to sunlight, this condition is described as photosensitivity. Signs of photosensitivity are; Inflammation, Itching, Dry patches, Skin discoloration, and even blisters possibly. The moment you realize you are taking antibiotics that may cause photosensitivity, you need to;

• Wear protective clothes all through the period of intake, wear long-sleeved clothes, and even sunglasses to limit the level of exposure.

*Avoid long periods of light exposure.

Anaphylaxis: Antibiotics can also cause a really severe allergic condition which is; anaphylaxis, although this allergic condition is rare, it is a serious condition that comes with these signs;

• Rapid heartbeat.
• Itchy rashes.
• Low blood pressure.
• Seizures.
• Agitation or a feeling of uneasiness.
• Swelling of the face, lips, and even the mouth.

Complicates kidney disease: In a case when the kidney is not working appropriately, complications from antibiotics can result in serious kidney damage. Doctors usually check kidney conditions through blood tests before prescribing any antibiotics.

The risk of developing the complications associated with antibiotics include;

• Get appropriate vaccination.
• Appropriately wash your hands all the time.
• Follow food safety precautions.
• Take antibiotics as prescribed by the doctor.
• Do not take antibiotics prescribed by someone who is not a medical expert.
• Do not use antibiotics prescribed for another person.

Conclusion.

Antibiotics are medications that can help prevent and kill some bacteria from growing in our body, but inappropriate, excessive use of antibiotics could adversely affect the body. Antibiotics should only be taken based on the description by a medical expert.

References.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/16386-antibiotics

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322850#long-term-side-effects

https://www.researchgate.net/figure/The-disadvantages-of-antibiotics-in-the-treatment-of-diseases-The-major-aspects-of_fig1_343182675

https://www.keckmedicine.org/blog/the-pros-and-cons-of-antibiotics/