Antibiotics: A Boon to the Treatment of Bacterial Infections
An agent that is active against bacteria is called an antibiotic (anti = against, bios = life). Since ancient times, antibiotics have been used to fight diseases like tuberculosis and pneumonia, which claimed many lives. The first antibiotic was discovered by accident by Sir Alexander Fleming. These potent weapons can fight any infection on Earth and open the door to a longer, healthier life.
Disease-causing microorganisms enter the body through various entrance points, overwhelm the immune system, and weaken it, causing illness. Antibiotics are powerful agents that, when used, quickly and effectively eliminate infections, causing us to feel better in a matter of days. Over the years, antibiotics have become the primary and often the only treatment option for potentially fatal conditions, from common respiratory infections to life-threatening conditions like sepsis. Antibiotics have proven their efficacy in a multitude of scenarios. It is also reported that pre-emptive azithromycin use in healthy children in regions with a high child mortality rate can increase survival well beyond the capacity of the majority of other targeted interventions.
Healthcare professionals typically prescribe antibiotics to treat bacterial infections such as:
- Respiratory Infections: For bacterial pneumonia, bronchitis, or bacterial sinus infections.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): To combat bacterial growth in the urinary system.
- Skin Infections: Including cellulitis or certain types of abscesses caused by bacteria.
- Ear Infections: When caused by bacteria rather than viruses.
- Strep Throat: Caused by the bacterium Streptococcus.
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Some STIs, like gonorrhea and syphilis, are bacterial and can be treated with antibiotics.
Situations where antibiotics are given as preventive treatment include some types of eye surgery, such as cataract surgery or glaucoma surgery, joint replacement surgery, breast enlargement surgery, pacemaker surgery, and surgery to remove the gallbladder or the appendix.
Name: Rutuja Dhanraj Sultanpure
Class: M. Pharm (Sem- III)
Department: Pharmaceutics