Antibiotics

  • Antibiotics are medicines that help stop infections caused by bacteria. They do this by killing the bacteria or preventing them from reproducing and spreading.

  • The term ‘antibiotics’ refers exclusively to medicines used to treat bacterial infections, they are ineffective against viral diseases such as influenza or the common cold.

  • Alexander Fleming discovered the first antibiotic, Penicillin, in 1928. This has since revolutionised medical treatments and led to the development of a range of other antibiotics.

  • All antibiotics have a mechanism of action, or a specific way they tackle bacteria. Some might inhibit cell wall production, some disrupt protein synthesis, and others attack the bacterial DNA.

  • One of the significant problems with antibiotics is resistance. Bacteria can develop methods to survive the effects of an antibiotic. This could be through a chance mutation that provides resistance or through acquiring resistance from another bacterium.

  • Antibiotic resistance is a significant global health threat. Misuse and overuse of antibiotics contribute to this problem. It is essential to use antibiotics as prescribed by a medical professional and never use leftover medications.

  • Antibiotics can also have side effects, including rashes, diarrhoea, and nausea. In rare cases, they can cause more serious health problems like kidney damage or life-threatening allergic reactions.

  • Not all bacteria are harmful; many are advantageous and essential for human health. Some antibiotics can disrupt the balance of these ‘good’ bacteria in the body, leading to other health problems.

  • Vaccine development often follows antibiotic development for specific bacterial diseases. Vaccines stimulate the immune system to recognise and fight off bacteria before they cause harm.

  • In conclusion, antibiotics are a powerful tool in treating bacterial infections, but they must be used responsibly to minimise the adverse effects and slow the growth of antibiotic resistance. It’s also crucial to maintain a healthy lifestyle to bolster your own body’s natural defences against disease.