Antibiotics, when they should be used

The antibiotics are substances of natural or synthetic origin that fight bacteria, that is, small autonomous microorganisms capable of penetrating the body by overcoming barriers (skin or mucous membranes), immune defenses and causing various diseases.

These are simple diseases such as pharyngotonsillitis, otitis, and urinary infections, but also serious ones such as pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis (generalized blood infection).

Broad-spectrum antibiotics are distinguished

A distinction is made between broad-spectrum antibiotics, which are active on a large number of different types of microorganisms, and narrow-spectrum antibiotics, which act only on certain bacteria.

They are not necessary to take in most upper respiratory tract infections (colds, flu, some otitis, most pharyngotonsillitis), as the antibiotic does not cure these infections, and they are also not taken in cases of gastroenteritis.

The physician, on the basis of clinical signs, laboratory and instrumental tests, experience, and knowledge of the frequency and distribution of disease in the various age groups, will assess the origin of the infection and whether it will be necessary for the patient to initiate antibiotic therapy, and which antibiotic is most appropriate for the type of infection.

The use of an inappropriate antibiotic can in fact expose the patient to the risk of a lack of therapeutic effect, as well as the appearance of side effects.

So it is good not to take antibiotics without consulting the doctor and without a prescription.

In addition:

• Use them only to treat infections caused by bacteria
• for recurring infectious diseases, do not independently initiate antibiotics previously recommended or left over from previous use
• Store antibiotics in a cool, dry place and out of the reach of children
• comply with the dosage and duration of antibiotic therapy prescribed by the doctor
• in case of errors in intake (especially overdose) always consult your doctor

if the prescribed antibiotic results in discomfort, one should not spontaneously discontinue the treatment, but report these discomforts to the doctor.