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Can antibiotics cure all diseases? First, find out the origin is bacteria or virus.
Do you know that antibiotics are antibacterial drugs originally derived from molds such as Penicillium? Today, with advanced medical technology, it is difficult to imagine a time when antibiotics did not exist. In the past, even a small wound infected with bacteria could be fatal. Diseases like syphilis, tuberculosis, and scarlet fever were once deadly, but many can now be treated effectively with antibiotics.
The Role of Antibiotics in Medicine
Antibiotics remain essential in modern healthcare. They are primarily used to treat bacterial infections, and in some cases, they even demonstrate antineoplastic (anti-cancer) activity. Common antibiotic classes include:
- Penicillins
- Cephalosporins
- Tetracyclines
- Aminoglycosides
- Quinolones
Doctors choose the appropriate antibiotic based on clinical results, tailoring treatment to the type of infection.
The Limits of Antibiotics
Antibiotics are not a panacea. After their discovery, people once believed infectious diseases could be completely eliminated. However, widespread overuse led to antibiotic resistance—a serious global health challenge.
When antibiotics kill susceptible bacteria, resistant strains may survive. These “superbugs” adapt by altering their genes, making infections harder to treat. Researchers now focus on delaying resistance by prescribing antibiotics more carefully and limiting unnecessary exposure.
Risks and Side Effects
In addition to resistance, antibiotics carry other risks:
- Allergic reactions: Rare but possible. Doctors often conduct skin sensitivity tests before prescribing.
- Toxicity: Antibiotics are inherently toxic and must not be overused, as this may cause organ damage or long-term side effects.
- Impact on microbiota: Antibiotics do not distinguish between “good” and “bad” bacteria, disrupting the natural balance. In children, excessive use may weaken self-healing ability, leading to increased illness later in life.
Therefore, antibiotics for children should only be prescribed when clearly necessary, under careful medical supervision.
Proper Use of Antibiotics
- Follow prescriptions strictly: Complete the full course as directed, even if symptoms improve, to fully eliminate bacteria.
- Do not self-prescribe: Using antibiotics without a doctor’s evaluation risks misdiagnosis and resistance.
- Not for viral infections: Antibiotics are useless against viruses such as influenza or enterovirus. Using them for colds or flu only increases risks without benefit.
Conclusion
Antibiotics revolutionized medicine, saving millions of lives. However, they are powerful tools—not universal cures. They must be used responsibly, under medical guidance, and never for viral infections.
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