Adverse Effects Of Antibiotics On The Human Body

By Rita Soludo

Abstract : Antibiotics come from natural sources ( fungi, plants and soil ). They are used to battle against bacteria out in the environment. Scientist's take this molecules and use them to help fight infections in people. But they're good and bad bacteria , everyone has something called the Microbiome . Our microbiome is a collection of bacteria that live inside our body . A healthy and strong microbiome is one that has many different kinds of good bacteria that protect us from getting sick so it's important that we keep this good bacteria; but sometimes bad bacteria can get in and cause problems this is why you've been prescribed Antibiotics. 

Introduction: 

Antibiotics are a class of drug designed to kill a type of germ, these germs we call bacteria. Those are germs you can see under a microscope but far more common than the bacteria are the viruses. Viruses like the common cold,the flu or the stomach virus are different from the bacterial infection and often don't respond to antibiotics. Bacterial infections like ear infections, impetigo, urinary tract infections and strep throat are typically treated with antibiotics. 

Antibiotics can come in the form of pills or intravenous fluids . Actually no antibiotics are considered weak or strong. Antibiotics are either Targeted or Broad. Sometimes, when you are sick your health care provider knows exactly what type of bacteria is causing your sickness in times like this a Targeted antibiotic is prescribed. This type of antibiotics primarily kill the harmful bacteria causing your illness. But sometimes your healthcare provider may not know exactly what is causing your illness if your healthcare provider suspects it could be a bacterial infection a Broad antibiotic is prescribed. Broad antibiotics attack a wider range of bacteria in the hope of killing the harmful bacteria. Unfortunately, whichever kind of antibiotics you receive the good bacteria in our microbiome may be affected but broad antibiotics usually affect more of our biome. Your healthcare providers goal is to always protect your microbiome as much as they can. To find the best antibiotics for you it is important that your healthcare provider knows what you're allergic to and other medications you may be taking . Below are some common expected side effects of taking Antibiotics and are not considered allergic reactions ;

1.) Digestive problems ( such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea )

2.) Headaches ; they are usually only temporary but not too severe.

Around 1 in 15 people have an allergic reaction to antibiotics especially penicillin and cephalosporin. In most cases, the allergic reaction is mild and moderate and can take the form of;

1.) Swelling of the lip, throat or eye.

2.) Low blood pressure.

3.) A raised , itchy skin rash ( urticaria , or hives )

4.) Wheezing. 

   Initial symptoms of anaphylaxis are often the same as above and can lead to ;

a.) A rapid heartbeat.

b.) A sudden intense feeling of apprehension and fear.

c.) Falling unconsciousness.

   So it is important to know what allergic reactions are and to tell your healthcare provider about them.They are different kinds of antibiotics so mistakenly telling your healthcare provider non-allergic symptoms limits your treatment options. 

    Other non- allergic side effects of antibiotics are; 

5.) Drug interaction: certain antibiotics (such as Tetracycline) can make your skin sensitive to sunlight and artificial sources of light such as sunlamp and sunbeds. This antibiotics affects how the skin reacts to UV light they can increase the risk of sunburn, blistering ,peeling and a rash. Another drug interaction is that, these antibiotics can make other medications work differently or not as well it should. Some of such drugs include ; blood thinners , antihistamine , migraine medications and antidepressants. Most common antibiotics haven't been shown to affect birthcontrol pills , some antibiotics should never be mixed with alcohol .

6.) Fungal infections: Antibiotics can make you more susceptible to yeast and other fungal infections. Your doctor may recommend an antifungal medication at the same time.

7.) Tooth staining : Some antibiotics can cause discoloration or staining of kids teeth drugs in this class come with a warning label.

8.) Tendonitis: Fluoroquinolones tend to cause more and more side effects than the other types. They can even damage the tendons that connects muscle to bone. These drugs should only be used as a last resort according to FDA.

9.) Double vision : Fluoroquinolone use is also linked to seeing double but you may need a vision or neurological exam to rule out other causes.

10.)  Depression and anxiety : One study found the more antibiotics a person has had over their lifetime,the more likely they were to have depression and anxiety. Antibiotics change the microbiome which may affect the brain, metabolism and immunity all of which can affect a person's mental health. 

One last thing you should also note is that as a hospital patient taking antibiotics you are susceptible to C.difficile infection.

C.difficile infection is an illness that can occur in hospital institutions and in patients who are on or have had antibiotics treatment it is very serious. If you experience symptoms of watery diarrhoea ,abdominal or belly pain and possibly fever you need to contact your health care provider immediately . 

Conclusion.

Prescribing antibiotics is a careful balance between protecting your microbiome and helping you get better. It is also important to note that if you start taking antibiotics and let's say it is designed for 10 days because research has shown that you will eradicate the effect in 10 days and you stop at 5 days ,you may get better but you body might also select out more resistant germs. So make it important to only take an antibiotic if your doctor prescribes it and to finish the entire dose prescribed by your doctor .

Important key points to note; 

If you have been prescribed antibiotics make sure you ask you healthcare provider the following questions ;

1.) Why am I being prescribed antibiotics??

2.) How should I take my antibiotics and for how long ??

3.) How will I know if my antibiotics are working and what side effects should I look out for ??

4.) Do I need any test or when do I book my next visit ??