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What do antibiotics disrupt in the body? Effect on viruses

With the discovery of penicillin in 1928, the new era in people's lives, the era of antibiotics. Few people think about the fact that before this discovery, for thousands of years main danger for a person they were precisely infectious diseases, which periodically took on the scale of epidemics, mowing down entire regions. But even without epidemics, mortality from infections was extremely high, and the low life expectancy, when a 30-year-old person was considered elderly, was due precisely to this reason.

Antibiotics turned the world upside down and changed life, if not more than the invention of electricity, then certainly no less. Why are we wary of them? The reason is the ambiguous effect of these drugs on the body. Let's try to figure out what this effect is, and what antibiotics have actually become for people, salvation or curse.

Anti-life drugs?

“Anti bios” translated from Latin means “against life”, so antibiotics are anti-life drugs. Chilling definition, isn't it? In fact, antibiotics have saved millions of lives. Scientific name Antibiotics are antibacterial drugs, which more accurately corresponds to their function. Thus, the action of antibiotics is not directed against a person, but against microorganisms that penetrate his body.

The danger is that most antibiotics affect not just one pathogen of a particular disease, but entire groups of microbes, which contain not only pathogenic bacteria, but also those that are necessary for the normal functioning of the body.

It is known that the human intestine contains about 2 kg of microbes - huge amount mainly bacteria, without which normal intestinal functioning is impossible. Beneficial bacteria are also present on the skin, in the mouth and vagina - in all places where the body may come into contact with an environment foreign to it. Various groups bacteria coexist in balance with each other and with other microorganisms, in particular fungi. An imbalance leads to excessive growth of antagonists, the same fungi. This is how dysbiosis develops, or an imbalance of microorganisms in the human body.

Dysbacteriosis is one of the most common negative consequences taking antibiotics. Its particular manifestation is fungal infections, a prominent representative of which is the well-known thrush. That is why, when prescribing antibiotics, the doctor usually prescribes drugs that help restore the microflora. However, such drugs should be taken not during antibiotic therapy, but after it.

It is clear that the more powerful drug is accepted and the wider its spectrum of action, the more bacteria will die. This is why it is advisable to use antibiotics wide range actions only in cases of extreme necessity, and in all other situations select a drug with a narrow spectrum of action that has a targeted effect only on small, necessary groups bacteria. This is an important measure to prevent dysbiosis during antibiotic therapy.

Harmful effects of beneficial drugs

It has long been established that harmless drugs do not exist in nature. Even the most harmless drug misuse causes unwanted effects, what can we say about such powerful drugs like antibiotics.

It should be understood that side effects are a possible, but not necessary, consequence of taking antibacterial agents. If the drug has been tested and accepted into clinical practice, this means that it has been unequivocally and convincingly proven that its benefits for most people significantly exceed possible harm. However, all people have their own characteristics, the reaction of each organism to a drug is determined by hundreds of factors, and there are a number of people whose reaction to the drug, for one reason or another, turned out to be rather negative.

Possible negative reactions are always listed as side effects of any medicine. Antibiotics have a very strong ability to cause side effects, since they have a powerful effect on the body.

Let's look at the main undesirable consequences of taking them:

  1. Allergic reactions. They can manifest themselves in different ways, most often it is skin rash and itching. Allergies can be caused by any antibiotics, but the most common are cephalosporins, beta-lactans and penicillins;
  2. Toxic effects. Particularly vulnerable in this regard are the liver, which performs the function of purifying the blood from poisons in the body, and the kidneys, through which toxins are eliminated from the body. In particular, tetracycline antibiotics have a hepatotoxic effect, and aminoglycosides, polymexins and some cephalosporins have a nephrotoxic effect. In addition, aminoglycosides can cause irreversible damage auditory nerve, which leads to deafness. Striking nerve structures fluoroquinolones and antibacterial agents nitrofuran series. Levomycetin has toxic effect for blood and embryo. Antibiotics of the amphenicol group, cephalosporins and some types of penicillin are known to have a negative effect on the process of hematopoiesis;
  3. Immune suppression. Immunity is the body’s defenses, its “defense” that protects the body from the invasion of pathogenic agents. Immune suppression weakens natural protection body, which is why antibiotic therapy should not be excessively long. To one degree or another, the immune system is suppressed by most antibacterial drugs, the most negative in this regard is the effect of tetracyclines and the same chloramphenicol.

Thus, it becomes clear why doctors insist that patients never, under any circumstances, self-medicate, especially self-medicate with antibiotics. If used thoughtlessly, if the existing characteristics of the body are ignored, the medicine may turn out to be worse than the disease. Does this mean that antibiotics are harmful? Of course not. The answer is best illustrated by the example of a knife: few tools have been and remain so necessary and useful to a person However, if used incorrectly, a knife can become a murder weapon.

When are antibiotics harmful?

So, antibiotics are rather useful for humanity, although they can be harmful under certain conditions. However, there are conditions when taking antibiotics is definitely not necessary. These are the following pathologies:

  • Viral diseases, including influenza, which doctors call ARVI, and people not associated with medicine call the common cold. Antibacterial drugs do not act on viruses; moreover, they reduce immunity, which is the main antiviral tool;
  • Diarrhea. As we found out earlier, taking antibiotics can lead to dysbiosis, one of the manifestations of which is diarrhea. At intestinal disorders if antibiotics are taken, then only as prescribed by a doctor after accurate identification of the pathogen;
  • Elevated temperature headache, cough. Contrary to popular belief, an antibiotic is neither an antipyretic, nor an analgesic, nor an antitussive. Fever, cough, headache, muscle or joint pain are just symptoms inherent in many diseases. If they are not caused by bacteria, taking antibiotics is completely useless, but given side effects rather harmful.

To summarize, it must be said that antibiotics are a powerful and effective medicine, whose effect on the body depends entirely on how correctly it is used.

Antibiotics have existed in the world for just under a century, but it is already difficult to imagine modern medicine without these drugs. And if it weren’t for accidental discovery that green mold on a bun produces antibacterial substance, which was later called penicillin, possibly life modern man would be less safe.

What is an antibiotic?

An antibiotic is a substance that has the ability to inhibit the activity and growth of bacteria without causing harm to the body. The only exception is the type of cytostatic antibiotics, which destroy body tissues, but this is their direct purpose and the intention of the scientist-creator.

Diseases that we conventionally call colds are divided into viral and bacterial, depending on who caused the symptoms. To suppress viruses, special antiviral drugs, but diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria are treated with antibiotics.

Wide and narrow spectrum

Antibiotics can be divided into two categories: broad-spectrum and narrow-spectrum. The breadth of an antibiotic's action refers to how many different bacteria the tablet can kill.

Doctors use narrow-spectrum antibiotics only when they know exactly the causative agent of the disease. Of course, such a prescription is more accurate, but doctors do not always have time to determine the causative agent of the disease, since blood culture can take up to several days, and the patient’s condition can worsen.

In this case, broad-spectrum antibiotics are prescribed, which destroy all potentially dangerous microorganisms, although they also come under attack beneficial microbes, resulting in dysbacteriosis.

Generations of antibiotics

Antibiotics are constantly being improved, so there are several generations of antibiotics, and each generation is more perfect than the other, has a more powerful effect, a minimum number of side effects and contraindications, and is well tolerated.

The first two generations of antibiotics are no longer used in treatment, and drugs of the 3rd and 4th generation are actively used in therapy. For the continuous improvement of antibiotic formulations, it is important that existing antibiotics Human organisms become resistant, that is, the drug ceases to perform its function.

This is why it is very important not to self-medicate by prescribing antibiotics arbitrarily when there is no need for it, for example when viral infection. When a situation arises in which an antibiotic is really needed, it may no longer work.

New generation antibiotics

But today there is already a new generation, the fifth. It has a wider spectrum of action, so many bacteria that were resistant to previous generations of antibiotics can be easily destroyed by new drugs;

  • "Ziftera";
  • "Zinforo";
  • "Ceftaroline";
  • "Ceftobiprole."

Operating principle

Once you understand what an antibiotic is and what types of antibiotics exist, you can figure out how antibiotics work.

After a person takes an antibiotic by taking a pill or getting an injection, active ingredients The drug enters the bloodstream and, together with the blood, reaches the site of inflammation. At the same time, they are absolutely safe for the human body; their toxicity applies only to bacteria. There are two methods of action of antibiotics:

  • destroy them cellular structure to stop their growth and reproduction in the body;
  • directly destroy the bacteria themselves.

How exactly an antibiotic will behave in a particular case depends on many factors, including individual characteristics body and dosage.

Action speed

Having information about how antibiotics work, it is important to know the speed of their action. That is, how long after the first dose of the drug does a person need to expect a therapeutic effect.

The question of when an antibiotic begins to act depends on the disease itself, its severity, and the person’s immunity. But its direct effect on bacteria, which it can resist, begins immediately after it enters the site of the bacterial focus through the blood.

In this case, it does not matter whether the “old” drug is used, that is, a 3rd or 4th generation antibiotic, or a new generation of broad-spectrum antibiotics. If the drug is chosen correctly, a person will feel relief no later than three days after starting treatment. In this case, the antibiotic course continues in full, in accordance with the doctor’s instructions and the instructions in the instructions for use.

But if after three days there is no improvement in the patient’s condition, it means that the drug was prescribed incorrectly and continuing to continuously give antibiotics at a high temperature, ignoring the fact that there are no positive changes, is not only useless, but also dangerous. That is why treatment should always be under the supervision of a doctor.

Speed ​​of action for various diseases

If by the action of an antibiotic we mean a significant improvement in the patient’s well-being, then it is important to understand what kind of disease we are talking about.

When asked when antibiotics begin to work for a sore throat, doctors give the answer: at the end of the second day of use. If by this time the person does not feel better, he continues to have high temperature, sore throat and signs of general intoxication, which means the patient may have resistance to this type antibiotics. Especially if he has already taken them before, quitting the course immediately after the first signs of improvement. In this case, it is recommended to wait another day and then decide on changing the drug.

Speaking about sore throat, it is important to understand that the factor that indicates when the antibiotic begins to act is, first of all, the normalization of temperature. Pain when swallowing may persist longer, since it takes more time for the swelling to go away from the mucous membrane. In addition, to pain in the throat from illness, traumatic pain may be added if the patient does not comply special diet, sparing the mucous membrane of the throat.

And to the question of when doctors begin to act, they give a different answer: the patient should feel relief 12-15 hours after taking the drug. Of course, a lot depends on the severity of bronchitis and the specific drug, but approximately it is possible to imagine the period of time after which we can talk about the wrong choice of drug due to its ineffectiveness.

Effect of different drugs

Is there any reason to find out whether a specific drug affects when an antibiotic begins to act, or whether any drug in this group demonstrates an effect in approximately the same time period? To do this, you just need to study the instructions for use of the drugs.

For example, information about when the third generation antibiotic Suprax begins to work varies from 4 to 12 hours. That is, the patient instantly feels relief if the drug is taken as indicated.

The answer to the question of when the antibiotic Flemoxin Solutab begins to work depends on how exactly it is used. If you take the tablets for the diseases indicated in the list of indications, you will feel better on the second or third day.

But if you use them topically, dissolving them like lozenges for a sore throat, the effect will be almost instantaneous. True, the course of treatment will have to be completed completely, even if the sore throat completely disappears on the first day.

What slows down the action of antibiotics?

In addition to the fact that any drugs show weaker treatment results if you do not follow the doctor's recommendations or instructions for use, there are factors that can prolong the waiting time for the antibiotic to work.

First of all we're talking about about alcohol. Ethanol V best case scenario neutralizes the effect of the antibiotic, and at worst can cause serious side effects (nausea, vomiting, respiratory failure), which will not have a positive effect on the speed of recovery.

In addition to alcohol, there is a whole list of seemingly innocent drinks that should not be used to wash down antibiotics. It includes:

  • coffee;
  • juices;
  • carbonated drinks;
  • milk;
  • kefir and other fermented milk products.

All these drinks neutralize the effect of the drug, making treatment useless. Therefore, if by the time the antibiotic begins to act, physical condition does not improve, you need to make sure again that you take the pill clean water and nothing else.

Thus, antibiotics are drugs that make our lives not only better and easier, but in some cases longer. Knowing all the nuances of using these drugs, you can quickly improve your health and not encounter side effects in the form of drug resistance or ineffectiveness.

We will talk about antibiotics, a kind of “heavy artillery” of modern medicine. Everyone knows what it is effective remedy against infectious diseases... with a bunch of contraindications. Still widely used. A person who has become closely acquainted with medicine has certainly encountered these drugs and experienced first-hand the “meanness” of their use. It is quite difficult to jump off the assembly line of problems associated with such treatment, and further restoration of health in such a situation will require significant effort.

This article is about understanding the principles of how antibiotics work, their negative impact on our body and microflora.

Antibiotics - history of creation

In a few words, then antibiotics- these are substances that can inhibit the growth of microorganisms or completely destroy them.

Progenitor modern antibiotics, penicillin, was discovered by Alexander Fleming back in 1928. Its first versions worked very unstable, and resembled modern medicines from cancer: no one could guarantee who would die faster, the patient or the bacteria that cause the disease. A little later, pure forms of the antibiotic were isolated, which of course alleviated the situation. It was a revolutionary discovery in medicine and very timely: penicillin simply saved huge number lives, and made fortunes for those who made it. Given the times and the shortage of drugs, its use was justified. This is, perhaps, the beginning of the faith of sick people in the “panacea” of antibiotics, and their adoption into the arsenal of medicine as the basis for the fight against bacterial ailments and

That was in the past. And in the future, all we can do is deal with the consequences of this invention and its thoughtless applications. And with each new generation, work increases. And this is the most “mean” thing: the negative effects accumulate and manifest themselves significantly mostly after generations. Remember the health of our fathers and grandfathers - they, eating not the best in the best possible way However, the majority were in fairly good health. Now diseases are falling literally from the cradle. Moreover, those of them that were characteristic only of adults. Yes, the problem here is not only with antibiotics, but it is their use that lays the foundation that attracts a huge number of problems.

Negative effects and effects of antibiotics on our body

Even the most perverted nutrition is not capable of “breaking” us and our microcosm as much as “treatment” with antibiotics. The last hundred years since the discovery of penicillin and the subsequent increasing use of its variations with and without cause have given more problems with health than all previous human “pranks” over the centuries.

This is part of the harmful effects common to most types of antibiotics. Other variations of hazards will depend on their specific types. Fortunately, there are countless numbers of them today.

Antibiotics and microflora

The main effect of antibiotics, as is known, is aimed at inhibiting growth and its destruction.

Many types of drugs are made from mushrooms due to their properties to suppress the surrounding microcosm. Fungal microbes are active and “hostile” to most bacteria and are quite resistant to their influence. Such fungi are real “barbarians” of the microworld. Although there are other types that are used in the manufacture of drugs that “boost” our immunity.

The body and all its inhabiting microflora form a stable one. Exactly stability and balance All processes and interaction with the microbes that inhabit us determine the quality of our life. Any antibiotic- inhibitor. It suppresses vital chemical reactions microbes, which leads to their death. The use of any such drug is a serious “distortion” of our homeostasis and the stability of the microcosm.

Antibiotics provide short-term “sterility” inside us. Which is mistakenly interpreted by many as a “good”, due to a lack of understanding of the role of microflora in our lives. It is its development in humans that is the highest “acquisition” in evolution, and it is thanks to cohabitation with symbiotic microorganisms that we gain the highest adaptability, immunity and flexibility among all living beings. Any serious imbalance that the body has not been able to compensate for starts a series of dominoes. serious violations and pathologies!

It is a widely known fact that antibiotics undermine the so-called “fungal-bacterial balance” in the body. When the bacteria were mercilessly “killed” by fungi and the latter began to predominate, doctors came up with the idea of ​​additionally administering the antifungal drug “Nistanin” in order to curb the aggression. Then it became noticeable that against the backdrop of all this, his immunity was falling - and they thought of helping him with a pill. Etc. By killing some, others multiply. We kill others - they reproduce without getting caught. So we are gradually striving “on the wave” of antibiotics towards sterility. Which for us is death.

Natural antibiotics

The microworld “fights” for territory at every moment of time. In nature, there are bacteria that are symbionts, and there are enemies. Most artificial antibiotics target a wide range of microbes, and they create conditions unfavorable for our symbiont bacteria. Natural “medicines” are more gentle on our “cohabitants” who are friendly to us.

Most famous natural antibiotics these are garlic, onions, hot peppers and various herbs. They perfectly suppress pathogens, although “friends” get it too. Therefore, in situations where the former clearly predominate, eating special foods is certainly justified. And the first sign that natural antibiotics are needed is the call of the body. The smell will simply drive you crazy - you will not miss the craving for garlic or onions.

The natural “version” of drugs differs from the one created in the laboratory in the number of side effects. They are minimal. If medicine is secondary to the harm caused to the liver and our tissues, then nature is not. But damage is still possible, although we can easily compensate for it, so eating these products healthy person devoid of necessity.

I would also like to additionally mention such a “healer” as oxygen. Abundantly entering the blood, it kills anaerobic organisms, which are many pathogens, being a kind of antibiotic that is devoid of flaws. An abundance of oxygen in tissues is the norm for humans, and the best way to “pump” it is aerobic exercise. This is a "prick" vital energy for us.

Conclusions

Modern nutrition, chemical poisoning of the environment and of course use of antibiotics led almost all people to an anaerobic existence. Most modern medicine nullifies our immunity and disrupts the normal functioning of tissues and organs. The prospects are not bright. Today, even most of them contain antibiotics. This prevents it from deteriorating and prolongs the preservation of its presentation. Antibiotics are increasingly turning into a kind of snowball, which is beneficial to the manufacturer, but not to the consumer. Microbes adapt to antibiotics quite quickly, which forces them to increasingly develop pharmaceuticals and endlessly improve drugs. At the same time, we generate new pathologies, which we regularly accumulate and pass on to our offspring. If from diseases caused poor nutrition, to be cured is quite simple, then after intensive “treatment” of medicine, the dose of efforts made increases unspeakably.

But the main problem with using drugs is our laziness. Not the laziness of doctors who make a diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment, although it did not bypass them either - and above all our. This, combined with irresponsibility and illiteracy regarding health issues, forces the use of antibiotics for the slightest relief and colds. Even in treating your children. Most users do not even know that antibiotics are absolutely useless against viral infections.

How many people do you think, when diagnosed and prescribed a course of antibiotics, will “Google” on the Internet the reasons for the disturbing symptoms, the diagnosis made, the prescribed drug? Units. And those who “dared” to do this quickly found alternative ways of more adequate and effective treatment.

Total comments: 32

    Yuri, thank you for the article, very informative. I need your advice. I took an antibiotic for 7 days, after which I was also prescribed suppositories to boost immunity and suppositories to restore microflora. But on the 7th day of taking antibiotics, after talking with my brother, I decided not to take any more medications, but to switch to a raw food diet, which I did on the same day. Now I’m only on the 4th day of a raw food diet, so far everything is great, I was surprised that I want to eat everything separately. The question is: do you think I should use the prescribed suppositories or will I only make things worse for my body? It seems like I decided to give them up, but now I doubt it...What do you think if I do.

    Antibiotics damage the liver and harm the microflora, now they are the only treatment, so you have to take additional hepatoprotective drugs, otherwise it will be very bad in old age. When I was prescribed a course of Ursosan, I was just upset - taking pills again, now I only think about how good it is that they prescribed it to me , without it, I would have to greatly limit myself so as not to harm the liver, and even examinations show that now it is in very good condition.

    Yes, antibiotics destroy the microflora in the bud. Along with antibiotics, you have to take a bunch of additional medications to protect the body. IN lately I also added Ursosan to this list. Because the liver began to suffer from the consequences of taking antibiotics. It is necessary to somehow protect and restore it.

    My friend was prescribed Hilak Forte along with antibiotics to prevent dysbacteriosis. It seemed to help. In any case, there were no consequences. I'm thinking - maybe I should try too? Judging by the reviews, it really has a very good effect on the microflora after antibiotics.

    It is clear that the body must be protected. If you have already prescribed antibiotics, you need to be on the safe side. I was also prescribed probiotics and Ursosan. What should I do if my microflora and liver are the most vulnerabilities. The liver especially. That's why I take a heparoprotector.

    If you do not take antibiotics spontaneously, but according to a doctor’s prescription, then great harm will not happen, and the inflammation will disappear. Well, if it’s really scary, then you can really, as we said above, ask your doctor to prescribe medications for the liver and intestinal microflora. My intestines do not suffer from taking antibiotics, but I am afraid for my liver, so they always prescribe Ursosan to me.
    Everything seems to be fine with the body
    And, even when I was treating inflammation of the appendages, they prescribed something else for that microflora. Not every case either.

    I study aromatherapy and use it and traditional methods in the treatment of ARVI, I am convinced that all diseases of this kind are associated with poor nutrition, and therefore contamination of the intestines, liver and physical inactivity. I really liked the article, people are really lazy and want an instant effect magic pill- here antibiotics are just what is “needed”... but at what cost... up to the destruction of the cell’s DNA. The body after seven to ten days of using them is a scorched desert... Of course, there are cases when the question is about life and death, but very often in everyday life, without trying anything natural, they immediately drink antibiotics and give them to children (which is the worst thing, I think) without taking into account the dosage or any preliminary tests. Thanks for the article, sensible and useful.

    Well, it has long been known about microflora that it is imperative to take medications to maintain and restore it, along with antibiotics (I don’t mean garlic, of course, but strong “chemical” broad-spectrum antibiotics). But I only recently learned that you also need to support your liver. The doctor prescribed me to drink Rezalut in combination. I started reading about it on the Internet, articles about hepatoprotectors in general, and decided to drink it anyway. Everything is fine after, no complaints from the liver, thank God.

    I have now started taking hepatoprotectors to restore my liver after antibiotics. Previously, it was limited only to pro- and prebiotics. But the last time, after taking a course of antibiotics, heartburn and bitterness appeared. I read it, it turns out that you need to drink something restorative for the liver. I settled on the result, there’s a lot about it positive feedback on the Internet. And it was not produced here, but in Germany, which seems to me more reliable. After taking the course, the discomfort went away. Now I will always take a hepatoprotector too.

    Thanks to antibiotics, the mortality rate of humanity has decreased significantly. Was it better when more people died in the plague epidemic than now in wars? From the point of view of natural selection, probably yes. When, for example, your child gets sick with bronchitis and you don’t give antibiotics, it can be very serious complications, up to fatal outcome.
    Antibiotics are a great invention, and of course they need to be approached wisely and used only as prescribed by a competent specialist, and sold in pharmacies only by prescription.
    Good luck!

    After antibiotics, there really is a complete breakdown in the body from all sides. I try to take them as little as possible, but sometimes of course I have to (((well, in such cases, I immediately start the alphabet classic vitamin course in order to help the body in some way. In any case, now the consequences after antibiotics with the help of vitamins are not so extensive.

    Good day! Tell me how we can help or where this will all lead... My father was hospitalized with a stroke, as a result, for a month now he has been fed monstrous quantities of antibiotics without stopping... Prevention of stroke, treatment of pneumonia due to a bedridden state, even when problems with urine output and diarrhea began , they prescribed additional antibiotics for each of these points... The treatment is changed every week, but there are only more drugs...

Antibiotics with a wide spectrum of action are a concept that has become very firmly established in the everyday life of modern people. Each of us simply cannot imagine our lives without these medications. But despite this, in our society there are a huge number of diametrically opposed points of view on the issue of antibiotics: how and when they should be used, and how they affect human body, and do they cause any damage to it?

Benefit or harm?

The answers to the questions asked above can be boiled down to two opposites. There is a group of the population that believes that antibiotics are extremely dangerous substance, synthesized chemically and negatively affecting the condition of the human body, causing significant damage to its immunity, digestive organs and microflora of the gastrointestinal tract. According to them, our defenses must independently cope with the pathogens of the most various diseases, without external intervention and the use of antibiotics.

Their opponents are sure of the opposite; they believe that antibiotics are a real panacea. Such people have home medicine cabinet there are always several different types medications of this type and they begin to be taken immediately after the first signs of illness appear.

Neither one nor the other point of view can be considered absolutely correct. It is safe to say that ordinary the cold will go away and without antibiotics, but pneumonia is very difficult to cure without them. Previously, when our ancestors did not know about antibiotics, many ailments caused death, but now they can be cured in a couple of days. There is no need to deny this obvious fact. It is also always worth remembering that it was thanks to human achievements, including in the field of medicine, that he began to live longer and more comfortably.

Operating principle. Classification

Antibiotics only affect processes occurring in cells pathogenic microorganism, they are not able to affect human cells. These drugs have a strict classification depending on the effect they have on vital functions.

Some of the antibiotics are designed to suppress the synthesis of the outer membrane of the bacterial cell, which is simply absent in the human body. These are drugs such as cephalosporins, penicelin series, etc.

Another group of drugs almost completely stops complete protein synthesis inside bacterial cells. These are antibiotics of the tetracycline series, aminoglycosides and macrolides. These are stronger antibiotics.

In addition, drugs are divided not only according to their principle of action on microorganisms, but also according to antibacterial activity. This criterion is always indicated in the annotation for the medicine.

There are broad-spectrum antibiotics that are active against various bacteria. Others are narrowly targeted and act only on certain groups of pathogens.

Effect on viruses

Antibiotics cannot have any effect on viruses, since these organisms have a completely different structure than bacteria and also function differently. Modern medicine I still haven’t learned how to effectively cope with viruses, and all known antiviral drugs are not effective enough.

Resistance

Quite often, doctors are faced with a situation where those antibiotics that previously acted quite successfully do not bring any visible relief to the patient when they are used again. This situation is explained by the fact that all living organisms, including bacteria, have a unique ability to adapt to various unfavorable factors external environment. A striking example This possibility is the developed resistance (resistance) of bacteria to certain antibiotics. It has been scientifically proven that any type of pathogenic organism can develop resistance over time to even the most strong drugs.

In this case, the rate of development of resistance largely depends on the dosage of the drug. Pharmacologists have to regularly work on creating new and new drugs. Now many doctors say that if antibiotics continue to be prescribed without exception, in twenty years humanity will face problems in treating serious diseases. But such drugs are often a real salvation for children. This is why you should not consume antibiotics at your own discretion. There is no reason to deprive yourself of their power for a truly important occasion.

Rules of application

It is very important to correctly prescribe antibiotics. Of course, if the patient is in a hospital with very serious illness, for example, meningitis or pneumonia, then the use of a medicine of this type is simply necessary and should not be subject to any discussion or doubt. But it should be borne in mind that in conditions of stationary observation it is possible to constantly monitor a person’s condition. This includes special laboratory tests, and 24-hour medical supervision.

If the situation is the opposite - home treatment and minor illness, then responsibility for the use of medications falls on the shoulders of the patient himself or his parents.

Antibiotics are often used for various infections respiratory tract, however, this is not always justified, because on average, each child suffers about six such diseases per year. You should not self-medicate; it is important to trust a qualified doctor. Antibiotics cannot cure a runny nose and cough; they only destroy the causative agents of the disease.

Conclusion

Despite all the freedom of life that antibiotics give people, it is important to remember that the use of any medicine based on them, like any other, should be used exclusively as prescribed and under the supervision of a doctor.

The invention of antibiotics helped people cope with many previously incurable diseases and their consequences. But taking medications without the supervision of a doctor can negatively affect the body and cause harm to it, so you need to be aware of the consequences of incorrectly selected treatment.

What are the dangers of antibiotics for the body - the effect on organs and systems

It is worth taking antibacterial drugs only if the benefits outweigh the possibility of complications from taking them. They not only stop the proliferation of microbes, but also cause some disruptions in the human body.

First of all, antibiotics affect the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, but often cause harm to other systems. Therefore, despite successful treatment underlying disease, the patient may feel unwell and unpleasant symptoms.

Liver and kidneys

The liver is the main “filter” that protects the body from poisons and toxins. Antibiotics are dangerous for her because they can cause destruction of her cells and disrupt the production of bile, glucose, vitamins and other vital substances and enzymes she produces. Long-term use of medications can cause inflammation of the organ, and damaged cells are restored with great difficulty.

The kidneys also perform a cleansing function. Antibacterial drugs have a detrimental effect on their internal epithelium, causing the death of the cells lining it. This violates normal work kidneys, and they need some time to recover. If their work is disrupted, swelling of the limbs occurs and urination is impaired.

Stomach and pancreas

After taking the pills, stomach pain and nausea are sometimes felt, which are caused by damage to the gastric mucosa. Its long-term damage and irritation can lead to the formation of erosion (ulcers). It is possible that if unpleasant symptoms appear, you will have to choose another medicine or administer the drug intravenously so that it immediately enters the blood.

It is not recommended to take antibiotics on an empty stomach, as this contributes to even greater irritation of its walls. During therapy, it is better to refrain from salty, sour, fried and other irritating foods. In addition, when exposed to the pancreas, acute pancreatitis may develop.

Intestinal microflora

The intestines contain many bacteria that help with digestion. When taking antibacterial drugs, all microorganisms die - both harmful and beneficial.

If the normal balance of microflora is not restored after taking medications, a person may suffer from dysbiosis, irregular bowel movements, diarrhea or constipation. Immunity decreases - it has been proven that it depends 70% on the state of the microflora and the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

Cardiovascular and nervous systems

The effects of antibiotics on the heart and nervous system not as obvious as in gastrointestinal tract. But, according to latest research scientists, a long course of treatment slows down the formation of new brain cells and provokes memory problems. This is due to metabolic disorders, including as a result of destruction intestinal microflora.

Macrolides (clarithromycin, roxithromycin) - a group of drugs for a long time considered quite harmless, it turned out that they can be harmful to the heart. They raise it electrical activity and cause arrhythmia, which can lead to its sudden stop.

Ears

A certain group (aminoglycosides) can cause damage inner ear. Substances penetrate there through the bloodstream, contributing to impaired or loss of hearing, tinnitus, and headaches. Similar symptoms observed in otitis media.

Teeth

Tetracyclines are known to have negative effects on teeth. They form compounds with calcium, as a result of which the enamel becomes thinner and darker, and tooth hypersensitivity occurs.

Especially strong negative effect manifests itself in children (for this reason, patients now younger age it is prohibited to prescribe drugs of the tetracycline series), however, drugs of this group when long-term use can cause harm to adults.

Genitourinary system

In men, antibiotics can negatively affect potency and sperm quality, disrupting the formation of sperm and thereby reducing the chances of conception. Therefore, after completion of therapy, it is advisable to take a spermogram to ensure that normal spermatogenesis has been restored.

Planning pregnancy is also undesirable when treating a woman with antibiotics. Impact on menstrual cycle they do not, but disrupt the natural process of egg formation and can cause miscarriage or pathology in the embryo. It is better to wait to conceive until the end of the course of treatment and a few more weeks after it.

Harm during pregnancy

It is known that pregnant women are prescribed antibacterial drugs only in exceptional cases because there is always danger negative impact on the fetus and the occurrence of problems in its development. The harm of antibiotics to a child is explained by the fact that they disrupt normal cell division.

Many medications are prohibited for women during breastfeeding, as they can be toxic to fragile organism baby.

Effect on joints in children and adolescents

The negative impact on joints in children leads to the development of arthritis, a disease that usually affects older people. Therefore, the drugs in childhood prescribed with extreme caution and, if possible, no more than once a year.

Possible consequences of taking antibiotics

Therapy antibacterial drugs, especially long-term ones, may lead to the occurrence of some undesirable consequences, among which:

  • Stool disorder. Diarrhea is caused by irritation of the intestinal walls. Dysbacteriosis may also occur, the symptoms of which include both diarrhea and constipation.
  • Nausea and vomiting. They signal irritation of the gastric mucosa, which may be accompanied by bloating and abdominal pain. In addition, they, together with the appearance of edema and difficulty urinating, may be signs of kidney damage.
  • Fungal infection. Due to an imbalance of microflora in the body, fungi can begin to multiply, the activity of which is normally suppressed by beneficial bacteria. The infection most often appears in the mouth (stomatitis) or in the vagina in women. Symptoms include burning, itching, white coating in the mouth and on the tongue, with vaginal candidiasis in women there is a curdled white or translucent discharge, while with vaginal dysbiosis it is brown.
  • Weakening of the immune system, which is caused primarily by the death of intestinal microflora. May be accompanied by weakness, drowsiness, increased fatigue and the development of side infections. In addition, antibiotics interfere acid-base balance(promote acidification of the body), and if immunity is reduced, the risk of cancer increases.
  • Superinfection. This is the proliferation of any microorganisms that are resistant to the antibiotic being taken. What leads to its development is that growth harmful bacteria or fungi is no longer contained by beneficial microflora, and resistance to the drug appears when long-term use. Infections often develop in urethra, bladder.
  • An allergic reaction to a specific antibiotic or group of antibiotics. It manifests itself in skin rashes, redness of the skin, runny nose. A red tongue is also a symptom. Allergies can lead to more severe consequences up to anaphylactic shock, if you do not stop taking the medicine in time.
  • Dizziness. It may be a sign of the drug’s effect on the central nervous system or on the ears (in this case, tinnitus and hearing impairment are also present).
  • Decreased effectiveness of contraceptives. For warning unwanted pregnancy During therapy with certain antibiotics, it is better to use a barrier method of contraception.

How to minimize side effects

The basic rule that should be followed is that it is important to coordinate the use of antibiotics with your doctor and inform him about all unpleasant symptoms. The duration of the course and dosage are also determined by the specialist. Under no circumstances should you take expired medications.

The doctor must consider the compatibility of prescribed antibiotics with other drugs that long time accepted by the patient. There is such a thing as antagonism - some medicines reduce each other’s impact on the body, as a result of which their intake becomes useless and even harmful.

Before, during and after the course of treatment, it is advisable to conduct a blood test for hemoglobin, the number of red and white blood cells, ESR, etc., in order to monitor basic blood parameters. This will help you notice deviations in the body’s functioning in time.

Meals during antibiotic therapy should be regular. You need to avoid spicy, too salty, fried foods, eat more fermented milk products and drink water more often. The medications should be taken after meals and not on an empty stomach.

Support normal microflora Probiotics will help in the intestines while taking medications. They are treated as special means containing beneficial bacteria V large quantities and fermented milk products. Good action provide sauerkraut, pickled vegetables, kombucha, as they are rich in enzymes. Yogurt, kefir, porridge with milk, bread, vegetables and fruits (not sour), soups, steamed fish soften the stomach and eliminate unpleasant consequences.

Tips on how to support the body during antibiotic therapy:

  1. To restore the liver after treatment, use hepatoprotective agents containing phospholipids. These substances revive the cell membrane and bring liver cells into normal condition. In order not to aggravate the harmful effects, during and after the course of treatment it is worth completely eliminating the use of alcohol and spicy food. Milk thistle seeds and preparations based on them are very beneficial for the liver.
  2. To prevent a decrease in immunity, together with antibiotics, take immunomodulating agents, a complex of vitamins and minerals prescribed by a specialist.
  3. Whenever allergic reaction Immediately stop taking the drug and consult a doctor, who will select another remedy taking into account the characteristics of the body.
  4. If a fungal infection occurs, take antifungal drugs and probiotics to restore normal microflora.
  5. To restore your kidneys, drink more fluids. You can also use decoctions medicinal plants– orthosiphon staminate, rosehip. Warming should not be done, as it will only increase the load on the kidneys and can lead to the proliferation of microbes.

During pregnancy, the number of approved antibiotics is very limited, so when the first signs appear bacterial infection It is worth using “natural” help: eat garlic, onions, ginger, honey, St. John’s wort, horseradish, mustard.

Thus, after taking antibiotics, the body needs to recover. Therefore, you should not take them without a good reason, “to strengthen the immune system,” or self-medicate. The use must be justified and, if possible, safe for health.