Anti Biotics

:- Anti Biotics

What Are Antibiotics?

Antibiotics are medications that fight bacterial infections in the body. They work by either killing bacteria or stopping their growth. Antibiotics are used to treat many common and serious illnesses caused by bacteria, not viruses.

🧫 When Are Antibiotics Used?

Antibiotics are effective for treating bacterial infections, such as:
Strep throat
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Pneumonia
Skin infections (e.g., cellulitis)
Sinus infections (bacterial type)
Tuberculosis
Bacterial meningitis
Some ear infections

Types of Antibiotics

ClassExamplesCommon Uses

PenicillinsAmoxicillin, PenicillinEar, throat, and urinary infections

CephalosporinsCefalexin, CeftriaxoneSkin, bone, and lung infections

MacrolidesAzithromycin, ErythromycinRespiratory and skin infections

FluoroquinolonesCiprofloxacin, LevofloxacinUTIs, pneumonia, GI infections

TetracyclinesDoxycycline, TetracyclineAcne, respiratory infections

SulfonamidesSulfamethoxazole + Trimethoprim (Bactrim)UTIs, GI infections

AminoglycosidesGentamicin, TobramycinSevere infections (hospital use)

Side Effects of Antibiotics

While generally safe, antibiotics can cause side effects:
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Yeast infections (oral or vaginal)
Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling)
Antibiotic resistance (if overused or misused)
Liver or kidney damage (rare, usually with long-term or high doses)
Serious Side Effects (Seek Help Immediately):
Breathing difficulty
Severe rash
Swelling of face/lips/throat
Yellowing of skin or eyes (sign of liver damage)

What Is Antibiotic Resistance?

Antibiotic resistance happens when bacteria change and no longer respond to antibiotics. This makes infections harder to treat, leading to more severe illness or death.

Causes include:

Overuse of antibiotics
Not finishing the full course
Using antibiotics for viral infections
Using leftover or someone else’s antibiotics

How Are Infections Diagnosed Before Antibiotics Are Given?

Physical exam and patient symptoms
Lab tests (blood, urine, or stool tests)
Culture and sensitivity test – Identifies the bacteria and which antibiotic works
Imaging (X-rays, ultrasounds) in deeper infections