short note on antibiotics
Answers
Answer:
An antibiotic is a type of antimicrobial substance active against bacteria and is the most important type of antibacterial agent for fighting bacterial infections. Antibiotic medications are widely used in the treatment and prevention of such infections.They may either kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria. A limited number of antibiotics also possess antiprotozoal activity. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses such as the common cold or influenza; drugs which inhibit viruses are termed antiviral drugs or antivirals rather than antibiotics.
Fast facts on antibiotics
Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin, the first natural antibiotic, in 1928.
Antibiotics cannot fight viral infections.
Fleming predicted the rise of antibiotic resistance.
Antibiotics either kill or slow the growth of bacteria.
Side effects can include diarrhea, an upset stomach, and nausea.
Answer:
A doctor prescribes antibiotics for the treatment of a bacterial infection. It is not effective against viruses.
Know whether an infection is bacterial or viral helps to effectively treat it.
Viruses cause most upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), such as the common cold and flu. Antibiotics do not work against these viruses.
Antibiotics commonly cause the following side effects:
diarrhea
nausea
vomiting
rash
upset stomach
Anyone who has an allergic reaction to an antibiotic must tell their doctor or pharmacist. Reactions to antibiotics can be serious and sometimes fatal.