ANTIBIOTICS

Bacterial infections are treated by antibiotics. Some examples of bacterial infections are boils, furuncles, gingivitis, tonsillitis, some diarrhea, urinary tract infection, tuberculosis and many more. There are many kinds of bacteria and there are antibiotics suited for each kind of bacteria. There are antibiotics that are effective in a certain group of bacteria. Bacteria can develop resistance to antibiotics. Resistance of bacteria to antibiotics usually develop if the bacteria is exposed to that specific antibiotic at a level that is not enough to kill the bacteria. It will seen as ineffectiveness of treatment or persistence of infection or symptoms. The danger in here will be transfer of this bacteria to other person and into the community. This is now happening in tuberculosis and other infections.
Misuse of antibiotics through self medication, improper dosing, and over use is happening. Abuse of antibiotics through self medication is largely the cause of many antibiotic resistance. The consequence of antibiotic resistance will be the cost of treatment. Even if a bacteria is resistant to a particular antibiotic there are still other antibiotics that will be used. The newer antibiotic will be appropriate but the price is exhorbitant. It is fine for patients with the ability to buy however the people who are more affected with infections are the poor. Decision to the use of antibiotics is therefore must be based on the expert in the use of antibiotics and they are the doctors. Antibiotics must not be use for self medication. Expert advise of the physician must be sought before using antibiotics.
The human body is capable to overcome the infection given appropriate response time. In many infections more than a week is needed to develop antibody against a specific infection. The body must be allowed some time and enough period of exposure to the bacteria in order to mount an effective immune response. Delaying use of antibiotics for 3 to 4 days provide enough exposure for the immune system to craft a specific antibody. In life threathening situation however antibiotics use must not be delayed but this situation is best handled by a doctor. Self medication with antibiotics must never be practiced.