Antibiotics have become one of the most important medications in today’s society. Antibiotics work to fight off bacterial infections by destroying or stopping growth. Many mild bacterial infections get better on their own without use of antibiotics. However, severe bacterial infections require antibiotic assistance. Although, over the years, the overuse and misuse of antibiotics have become factors contributing to resistance within the body. Antibiotic resistance has become one of the world’s most pressing health problems.
The finding of antibiotics is one of the greatest advances in medicine. In 1928, a man of the name Alexander Fleming discovered the first antibiotic, penicillin. It did not come into use as a treatment for infections until over a decade later. In the 1930s, an antibiotic called prontosil, developed by German biochemist Gerhard Domagk, was commercially introduced. From the 1940s to the early 1960s, this was marked as the golden age of antibiotics. During this time, most antibiotic classes were discovered and made available in market. In the pre-antibiotic era, suffering was frequerent and bacterial infections from germs were severely dangerous to many. The discovery of antibiotics was a great medical achievement that still affects our world today.
Antibiotics work to destroy and reduce bacterial growth. Bacteria are living organisms, and can exist as single cells. Antibiotics are effective against bacteria by stopping its growth and reproduction. Not all bacterium are bad; in fact, some can be beneficial. However, some can be harmful and cause illnesses by invading our bodies. Our own body’s immune system can typically kill the bacteria we come into contact with. The white blood cells that exist in our body are able to attack harmful bacteria and fight off infection. Yet, some bacteria can be detrimental and excessive, so our system can’t take care of them all. Antibiotics cannot fight off viral infections. Viruses, unlike bacteria, are not living organisms and cannot exist on their own. Both bacteria and viruses are germs and can cause infection in the body, but it is important to distinguish whether an infection is bacterial or viral in order to effectively treat it. Antibiotics cannot treat viral infections such as cold, flu, most coughs, some ear infections, some sinus infections, stomach flu. Some infections antibiotics can treat are: strep throat, whooping cough, urinary tract infections, and E. coli. There are also different kinds of antibiotic classes, some to mention are penicillin, cephalosporins, aminoglycosides, etc. Antibiotics can be taken several ways including orally (by mouth), topically (cream, spray, ointment, drops), and through injection (I.V.). There are several side effects of antibiotics that go from minor to very severe. Some include: nausea, rash, diarrhea, yeast infections, allergic reactions, etc. There can also be misuse of antibiotics when a person is prescribed the wrong antibiotic, the wrong dosage of the drug, or the wrong length of time to take the medication.
The inappropriate usage and overuse of antibiotics can lead to resistance within the body. It can cause the bacteria and microbes to change resulting in antibiotics working against them. Therefore, it is very important not to use too much as it can result in dangerous side effects. When antibiotics don’t work, it can result in longer illnesses, longer recovery, more doctor visits, the use of stronger and more expensive drugs, and even more deaths.
Antibiotic resistance is a widespread global problem. The Centers for Disease Control prevention (CDC) announces that antibiotic resistance is, “one of the world’s most pressing public health problems”. Therefore, it is absolutely essential to take antibiotics safely and efficiently. They should be taken as directed and for the whole time instructed as well.
The discovery of antibiotics has greatly impacted our world today. Antibiotics are important medications that treat and fight against bacterial infections. The overuse and misuse of the drug has led to the problem of antibiotic resistance, one of the most urgent threats to our society. Antibiotics should be used cautiously to prevent resistance, providing for a safer and healthier lifestyle.