Bacterial infections pose a tremendous challenge to the healthcare industry as they cause a broad range of diseases. Persons with compromised immunity are more prone to bacterial infections. It was estimated that approximately 7.7 million people die due to bacterial infections each year. In this regard, antibiotics have emerged as excellent therapeutic candidates for mitigating the repercussions of bacterial infection. Therefore, it is essential to know the role of antibiotics in treating bacterial infections. In this article, we will discuss the severity, symptoms, and treatment options of bacterial infections so that patients can opt for a suitable treatment plan.
What is bacterial infection?
Bacterial infection may occur when bacteria enter your body and enhance their population to evade your natural defence system, known as the immune system. Bacteria may cause superficial to complicated systemic infections that infect your blood. Bacterial infections have high mortality rates, so excessive care and medical intervention are needed. Before knowing the treatment options for bacterial infections, it is important to know how bacteria enter your body to cause infection.
Bacteria may enter your body by several means, which are outlined below,
- Skin damage due to cuts or any accident
- Drinking contaminated water
- Eating contaminated food
- Contact with droplets from an infected patient
- Exposure to contaminated surfaces
What are the symptoms of bacterial infection?
Due to bacterial infections, the body may present several inflammatory or related signs, such as:
- Fever
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue
- Swollen lymph nodes in your armpits, groin, neck, or elsewhere
What are antibiotics, and how do they work?
Antibiotics are therapeutic agents which are designed to treat bacterial infections by killing bacteria. Antibiotics are classified into several classes according to their mechanism of action. They function by damaging several cell components of the bacteria. For example, some of the antibacterials or antibiotics damage the cell wall synthesis of bacteria, whereas some classes of antibacterials target the protein synthesis pathway. Other categories of antibiotics affect the DNA replication pathway.
Physicians prefer to use antibiotics, which can kill a broad spectrum of bacteria effectively. One of the classic examples of the third generation of antibiotics is Taxim O 200mg Tablet. This antibacterial medicine contains a Cefixime therapeutic agent that inhibits the bacterial cell wall synthesis process. Cell wall damage results in cell lysis of bacteria and reduces their population. This medicine is used to treat a broad range of diseases like respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, and gonorrhoea.
As it is an excellent therapeutic alternative for bacterial infections but, it is recommended to use this medication under medical supervision to ensure the appropriate dosage and duration, thus minimizing the risk of resistance.
What are the key considerations in antibiotic use?
Though antibiotics have emerged as an excellent tool to treat bacterial infections, however, their overuse and misuse may lead to antibiotic resistance, which is a rapidly evolving global threat. Antibiotic resistance is a phenomenon when bacteria program themselves to fight with antibiotics and evade them to cause severe infections. Therefore, it is essential to adhere to prescribed dosages and complete the full course of treatment, even if symptoms improve. This approach ensures the elimination of the infection and reduces the risk of resistant bacteria.
Antibiotics are excellent medical boons for treating the severe consequences of bacterial infections. Therefore, it is essential to use them in the proper dose to prevent antibiotic resistance. Patients suffering from prolonged bacterial infections should take appropriate measures under the supervision of medical professionals. With the effective use of antibiotics, severe bacterial infections can be prevented.
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