Antibiotics are a very popular remedy for bacterial infections these days. And since the last century, nothing much has changed in the minds of ordinary people. As they were considered a panacea for all ills, so it is happening now. But is it really so? Can antibiotics cure, for example, a cold? What about the flu? In this article, we will try to understand this topic.
What is an antibiotic?
If you look at the name of this kind of drugs, then their purpose immediately becomes clear. The prefix "anti" indicates that antibiotics are fighting something. And if you look at the second part of the word, it turns out that these are drugs that fight living organisms.
But this is very general. After all, not every living organism becomes the target of such drugs. In this regard, antibiotics for flu and colds are a very controversial topic. After all, everyone knows thatViruses are the main causative agents of these diseases. And antibiotics are aimed primarily at bacteria. So we can safely say that this group of drugs fights bacteria.
Types of antibiotics
In total, there are two types of antibiotics according to the spectrum of action:
- Broadly speaking, this is the most common group of antibacterial drugs that can kill a range of enemy microorganisms. When we go to the doctor and he prescribes what we perceive as antibiotics for flu and colds.
- In the narrow sense, they are intended for the treatment of bacterial infections in which the pathogen is clearly defined. This category of antibiotics is not so dangerous to he alth and does not have so many side effects. But at the same time, for the treatment, for example, of complications of SARS, they are poorly suited. After all, the latter can be caused by a number of microorganisms.
This is actually information for general education. You need to understand that when antibiotics are chosen for flu and colds, they are inherently more dangerous. And the reason for this is an attack that hits a number of your native bacteria that provide immunity.
Can a cold be treated with antibiotics?
Based on the foregoing, the answer becomes very simple and clear: colds cannot be treated with antibiotics. After all, the latter is caused by viruses. The effectiveness of such treatment necessarily acquires in the long term.run negative sign. And it turns out that mothers who give their children antibiotics at the slightest sneeze actually cripple them without realizing it.
When do you really need to use them?
Despite this, in some cases, the use of antibiotics is not only indicated, but also mandatory to save human life. When should this be done? Antibiotics for flu and colds cannot be used, but during complications it is necessary that they do not flow into much more life-threatening conditions. In general, there are really many possible complications of SARS. Here are just some of them:
- Bronchitis. It seems to be just a harmless disease. But in the long term, it can become chronic and then turn into a much more dangerous form. First it will be asthmatic bronchitis, and then it will become bronchial asthma. To prevent this, you need to take antibiotics.
- Pneumonia. It also does not form on its own, but often becomes a consequence of bronchitis. To prevent it, it is not only necessary to treat with antibiotics, but also to provide a large number of walks on the street, of course, if there is no temperature. A recumbent lifestyle can aggravate the course of any SARS due to congestion in the lungs.
- Bronchial asthma. It can occur not only against the background of bronchitis, but also because of simply frequent SARS. That is why they need to be cured to the end. Frequent relapses are a direct path to allergic processes in the respiratory tract.
These are only three diseases. Morethere are such unpleasant conditions as sinusitis or sinusitis, otitis media, rheumatoid arthritis, which are also complications of upper respiratory tract diseases. In general, a whole range of possible diseases. So it's better not to bring complications. Moreover, nobody canceled the harm from antibiotics.
What are the consequences of taking antibiotics during SARS?
What will happen to the body if you are treated with antibiotics during SARS? In general, if this happens once, then it's okay. You may even think that the patient's condition has improved significantly. But this is only a placebo on his part or a natural recovery, which always occurs with ARVI. And so, if you constantly use antibiotics for colds and flu, then there may be such consequences.
- Reduced immunity. In our body there is a huge number of bacteria that become victims of broad-spectrum antibiotics. And since most of the microorganisms are in the intestines, using antibiotics for colds and flu can lead to a significant decrease in immunity.
- Deterioration of the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment in this group. Everything in our world knows how to adapt, and microbes are no exception. Therefore, if you want to wonder what antibiotic to drink for flu and colds, then it’s better not to even think about it. Indeed, over time, the bacteria will get used to the shock doses of the drug, and it will cease to act on them, you will have to switch to heavier antibiotics,which lead to the following consequence.
- Liver. Naturally, all people know that antibiotics mainly harm the liver, especially the old ones. Naturally, the same macrolides that are used in the treatment of the simplest complications of acute respiratory viral infections cannot cause such severe harm to this organ, but if they treat any cold, you will have to use heavier drugs. But then the blow to the liver will be notable.
So you need to understand: colds, flu and antibiotics are simply incompatible. And don't even try to refute it.
How to treat viral infections?
Well, another question arises, how to treat a cold then, because it should not be brought to complications. It all depends on how often you get sick. If this happens all the time, then you just need to do more sports and walk outside during he althy intervals, everything will go away.
But if you rarely get sick, then some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, in particular, mefenamic acid, will help maintain immunity during SARS. It is cheap and very effective in the treatment of SARS. Even a frequently ill person under its influence begins to catch a cold less often. But it can not be taken for a long time, no more than one course. Because any NSAIDs adversely affect the digestive system. And in combination with alcohol, this is, in general, lethal force.
Which antibiotics are best to take?
Whattake antibiotics for a cold? Colds, flu, SARS - these are all diseases that can lead to complications. And if they have already happened, then it is best to start drinking antibiotics such as macrolides. They are relatively harmless and yet effective. A very good drug is Azithromycin, also good is Erythromycin.
These drugs are effective in the treatment of complications. But in no case do not self-medicate. You have no idea how serious the danger can threaten your body. It is better if you feel unwell after seemingly cured, then consult a doctor. He will help. But the best antibiotics for colds and flu, or rather their complications, are those listed above.
Conclusions
So we sorted out a lot of things. In particular, we realized that we should not ask ourselves which antibiotic is better to drink for a cold. But if exacerbations have already occurred, then at times it can save a life or prevent disability. But you still need to communicate more with the doctor and become an active participant in the treatment process. Only then can he alth be guaranteed. You should never self-medicate.
