Antibiotics are a class of drugs used to treat bacterial infections. They work by either killing bacteria or stopping them from reproducing, allowing the body’s natural defenses to fight off the infection. Antibiotics have been used since ancient times in various forms, but it wasn’t until the discovery of penicillin in 1928 that they became widely available and effective.
The use of antibiotics is one of the most important advances in modern medicine, as they can often quickly cure serious illnesses caused by bacterial infections such as pneumonia, meningitis and tuberculosis. They can also be used for preventing infections before surgery or other medical procedures, and for treating infectious diseases like Lyme disease and malaria. However, their overuse has led to an increase in antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria which require more specialized treatments.
When choosing an antibiotic for treatment , doctors consider factors such as type and severity of infection, resistance patterns for certain types of bacteria (which vary between different regions), age and health status of patient , potential side effects from medication , allergies to certain drugs etc . It’s important that patients take prescribed antibiotics only as directed . Taking too much or taking them at incorrect intervals may lead to drug toxicity while not completing course could result in incomplete treatment leading possible relapse . Overusing antibiotics will not only reduce their effectiveness but also contribute towards emergence new strains which are resistant to many existing medications .
In conclusion , proper use antibiotics remains vital aspect modern medicine with major implications public health globally . Newer generations synthetic compounds being developed constantly however prudent prescription practices must accompany this development order maintain efficacy these medicines against pathogenic organisms future generations benefit same way we have today !