Table of Contents Show
Drugs called antibiotics fight dangerous bacterial infections. They provide benefits by successfully combating severe infections that the immune system alone cannot overcome. However, taking antibiotics without a specific need and doctor’s prescription poses dangers. This article explains in detail the consequences that can result from such actions.
Increased Risk of Developing Dysbiosis
Antibiotics should not be taken without a pressing need as they aggressively affect the gastric mucosa and destroy the beneficial flora of the intestine, potentially leading to dysbiosis, a condition in which the normal microflora of the intestine is altered.
The uncontrolled use of antibiotics can cause dysbiosis to manifest in both mild and severe forms, which may ultimately result in the development of colitis – an inflammatory disease of the mucous membrane of the colon.
The stomach’s functioning will deteriorate
People who self-prescribe antibiotics may experience digestive issues such as nausea, vomiting, digestive disorders, loss of appetite, and spasms in the intestines and stomach. If you encounter any of the following symptoms, you should be especially concerned.
- Severe diarrhea;
- Nausea that occurs every time after taking antibiotics;
- Blood or mucus in the stool;
- Severe spasms and pain in the abdomen.
Taking antibiotics and alcohol together can cause a toxic reaction. Alcoholic beverages not only prevent the binding of antibiotics to bacteria, but also negatively affect the functioning of several organs, including the liver, cardiovascular system, and kidneys.
Potential Ineffectiveness of the Drug
Determining the cause of a disease, whether it is caused by viruses, bacteria, or autoimmune processes, is impossible to do independently. Therefore, uncontrolled use of antibiotics can lead to side effects and complications. For instance, if someone with the flu starts taking antibiotics right away, it can result in immunosuppression, which is the suppression of the immune system. Antibiotics are not effective for the treatment of viral infections and should only be used when a bacterial infection is present alongside the virus.
Your condition may worsen
Using antibiotics without proper guidance can have detrimental effects on your health. At best, it may not improve your condition, and at worst, it could lead to complications and significant harm to your body.
It is not advisable to self-prescribe antibiotics due to their narrow specialization, varying dosages, and duration of use. Even if someone you know had success with a specific antibiotic, it may not have the same effect on you.
Completing the entire course of antibiotics is crucial as the bacteria will only be killed off once the treatment is finished. Stopping treatment once you feel some relief could lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant harmful bacteria.
Increasing the Risk of Developing Candidiasis
Regrettably, antibiotics do not differentiate between “good” and “bad” bacteria, thus killing both types. Therefore, self-medicating with antibiotics can disrupt the microbial balance and trigger the development of candidiasis.
This fungal infection can affect the oral cavity, but it more commonly affects the vagina. In the former case, symptoms include the appearance of a white coating in the mouth, along with bad breath, a burning sensation, and pain while consuming hot or cold food.
Symptoms of vaginal candidiasis include itching and burning in the vaginal and vulva area, urinary problems, and discharge resembling curd. Often, this condition leads to pain during sexual intercourse and swelling of the vaginal mucosa.
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria may emerge in the body
An uncontrolled intake of antibiotics that you prescribe yourself can trigger microbial resistance. This means that some microorganisms will eventually become resistant to antibacterial drugs. As a result, not only will you worsen your current condition, but you will also reduce your chances of quick recovery in the future.
To avoid the emergence of bacteria resistant to antibiotics, you need to follow some rules:
- take antibiotics only as prescribed by a doctor;
- make sure the medication has a good shelf life and follow the rules of its storage;
- follow all recommendations and drink the medication with sufficient amount of water.
Responses