Diseases treatments

Disease Treatments

Antiviral drugs are used to treat viral infections and work by impeding the reproduction of viruses in the body.
These medications do not kill viruses but halt their development, allowing the body’s immune system to eliminate the pathogen.
Antiviral drugs are specific to individual viruses, meaning there isn’t a ‘universal’ antiviral medication.

Antibiotics are used to combat bacterial infections. They function by killing or slowing down the growth of bacteria.
Penicillin, discovered by Alexander Fleming, was the first antibiotic and is still widely used today.
Not all bacterial infections respond to antibiotics, as some bacteria have developed antibiotic resistance, due to misuse and overuse of these drugs.

These drugs are designed to combat parasitic infections, such as malaria or worms. They inhibit the growth and reproduction of the parasite.
Some antiparasitic drugs are broad-spectrum, meaning they can treat multiple types of parasitic infections, while others are target-specific.

Vaccination is key in preventing various diseases by utilising the body’s natural defences to build resistance to specific infections.
They stimulate an immune response, causing the body to produce memory cells. This means if the person encounters the disease again, the immune system can respond swiftly and effectively.
Some vaccines offer lifelong protection, while others might need to be updated or boosted.

These types of medication are designed to exclusively treat fungal infections. They act by disrupting the cell wall of fungi.
Antifungal drugs can be used topically for skin or nail infections, or systemically to treat more serious infections in the body.
Some fungal infections are resistant, meaning they do not respond well to treatment with antifungal medications.

Pain relievers, often known as analgesics, may be used to help alleviate discomfort associated with many diseases.
These medications work in different ways; for instance, some reduce inflammation while others block pain signals to the brain.
Pain relievers range from over-the-counter medicines like paracetamol to stronger drugs such as opioids.

Sometimes, the best treatment for a disease is supportive care, where the goal is not to cure the disease, but to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
This can include administering IV fluids for hydration, providing supplemental oxygen, managing pain, and ensuring adequate nutrition.
It is notably vital in the management of chronic or incurable diseases. This can be beneficial on its own or used in combination with other treatment methods.