A wondrous development in the history of the medical field, antibiotics have saved countless lives by offering an effective way to treat bacterial infections. This medication is so effective that many people rely on it heavily, which can lead to certain risks.
Taking medications correctly is key to receiving effective treatment, which is why doctors urge patients to be conscientious about antibiotics. Here are a few things that can occur when you misuse these essential drugs.
Antibiotics are only intended to treat bacterial infections. That means viruses, such as the common cold and flu, do not respond to such treatments. When a person overuses antibiotics, they increase the risk of antibiotic resistance.
Overusing these medications can result in bacteria that are resistant to common treatments. That means patients will require stronger antibiotics when treating infections, and these drugs typically come with more serious risks and side effects. However, antibiotic resistance can render even these medications ineffective, which makes treating bacterial infections much harder.
Not taking antibiotics properly can also raise the risk of resistance. For instance, people often believe that they can cease taking these medications once their symptoms improve, but doing so can cause bacteria to develop tolerances to antibiotics, which also makes treating subsequent infections more difficult.
Taking antibiotic drugs responsibly is the best way to avoid resistant infections. This entails:
Remember, colds and flu viruses often resolve on their own with bed rest and non-prescription medications to ease symptoms. If you have questions about medications, or believe you may have a bacterial infection, do not hesitate to consult with a medical professional.