When you feel sick, the only thing on your mind is the desire just to feel better. For many of us, this means a trip to the doctor and a request for antibiotics to heal whatever is ailing us. However, did you know that antibiotics are not always the best route? In fact, taking an antibiotic when you don’t really need one can do more harm than good. Here at Innova Primary Care, we want our patients to feel empowered to make the best health decisions, and often, antibiotics are not the best treatment option. Read on for more information about when and when not to take antibiotics.

What is an antibiotic?

We are all familiar with the term, but it is essential to understand what an antibiotic is and how it functions. Antibiotic is a term for medications used in humans and animals to treat bacterial infections and diseases. Antibiotic medications treat bacterial infections via several means. Antibiotics can break down the cellular walls of bacteria, and prevent them from replicating within the body, while others destroy the bacteria causing infection or the disease itself.

Infections generally come from two sources: viruses and bacteria. Antibiotics only work against bacterial infections and will be useless against treating viruses. While you may feel downright terrible from viral infections such as the flu or COVID, a treatment protocol will not include an antibiotic, and for a good reason. Viruses do not respond to antibiotics.

When we are sick, we want to feel better, and often we think that a prescription antibiotic is the way to go. Because of this, we need to have a diagnosis from a trusted healthcare provider to actually treat the problem wisely.

Antibiotic forms

Antibiotic treatments can come in many forms. For example, liquids, capsules, creams, ointments, and tablets; are each used to treat specific bacteria. Antibiotics can also be broken down into broad-spectrum use and narrow-spectrum use. Antibiotics may be administered orally, topically, or intravenously.

Broad-spectrum antibiotics treat a wide range of bacterial infections, both gram-positive and gram-negative (classification terms for bacteria), and include medications such as:

• Tetracycline
• Quinolones
• Azithromycin
• Amoxicillin

While there are many other broad-spectrum antibiotics, these are a few examples of those meant to treat multiple ailments.

Narrow-spectrum antibiotics are just as you suspect. These treat more specific conditions and only work with specific types of bacteria. Antibiotics with a narrow scope are beneficial when physicians know the kind of bacteria causing the infection or disease.

When should you take an antibiotic?

As previously mentioned, antibiotics only work for conditions caused by bacteria—for example, strep throat. While most sore throats are caused by some type of virus, thus impervious to antibiotics, this condition is caused by the group A Streptococcus bacterium. Group A strep causes painful swelling of the throat and tonsils and is incredibly contagious. However, not every sore throat is strep, and treatment will differ depending on the root cause.

Whooping cough, urinary tract infections, some skin infections, and even certain types of pneumonia are bacterial in nature and will respond to antibiotics as well. The key is to understand the underlying cause of whatever infection you have so that you can treat it effectively.

Many run to the physician at the first sign of a sinus infection, hoping to receive an antibiotic. However, for most sinus infections, antibiotics are not helpful. The reason for this is that most, but not all, sinus infections are viral. However, bacteria can sometimes be the cause, and, in this case, an antibiotic will help. If you have symptoms for at least seven days, along with facial tenderness, thick yellow or green mucus, and upper teeth pain, it may be time to consult with a doctor and determine whether or not bacteria may be the cause.

Severe conditions that require antibiotic treatment.

Sepsis is a severe response to an infection and can be deadly. When an infection is already present in the body, sepsis may occur, and it is a life-threatening condition. Intravenous antibiotics may be the solution to healing.

Another example of a life-threatening illness caused by bacteria is endocarditis, an infection of the inner lining of the endocardium. Endocarditis is typically bacterial and responds to specific antibiotics.

While this is not an exhaustive list, please note that some severe infections and conditions may require antibiotics. So again, seek medical assistance for the best advice for the best treatment options.

Side effects of antibiotics.

Antibiotics really are a modern marvel and save countless lives each year. However, there are side effects associated with use. While these medications irradicate harmful bacteria in the body, they can also kill off the good bacteria in your gut associated with health. Therefore, there is always a risk associated with taking these medications.

Side effects can range from mild to severe, including diarrhea, nausea, yeast infections, and rashes. Some may even experience an allergic reaction, so it is vital that you know and understand your body and what you can and cannot consume.

One of the most severe reactions to an antibiotic is C. diff. Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) is a pervasive bacterium that can cause colitis and severe diarrhea and requires hospitalization. C. diff often occurs during antibiotic use or shortly after that. So how can you develop a life-threatening bacterial infection during or after taking an antibiotic? Antibiotics kill harmful bacteria but also can annihilate good bacteria, which boosts the immune system and fights off infection. Persons over 65, have a weak immune system, have had C. diff infection in the past, or have recently been in a nursing home or hospital are more susceptible to developing C. diff.

Antibiotic resistance.

The overuse and misuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance meaning the medications meant to eradicate bacterial infections become null. For this reason, you should only take antibiotics when needed and do not abuse them.

The best way to prevent antibiotic resistance is to use antibiotics only when needed and exactly as prescribed. Never save unused portions for another time, and do not take antibiotics prescribed to someone else.

We should also note that healthcare providers should be prudent in prescribing antibiotics. Your healthcare provider should ensure that your illness is due to bacterial infection before prescribing antibiotics.

Putting it all together.

Antibiotics are powerful medications when used to treat bacteria. These medications can relieve and stop bacteria if they are correctly used and not overly prescribed. Innova Primary Care wants our patients to be informed. We want our clients to know that when you meet with us, we will do and prescribe medications in your best interest.