Antibiotics are a very popular remedy for bacterial infections today. And since the last century, nothing much has changed in the minds of ordinary people. As they were considered a panacea for all ills, this is happening now. But is it really so? Is it possible to cure, for example, a cold with antibiotics? 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 medicine, then their purpose immediately becomes clear. The prefix "anti" indicates that antibiotics are struggling with 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 generalized. Indeed, 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 that the main causative agents of these diseases are viruses. And antibiotics are primarily aimed at bacteria. So we can safely say that this group of drugs fights bacteria.
Types of Antibiotics
In total, two types of antibiotics are distinguished according to the spectrum of action:
- In a broad sense, this is the most common group of antibacterial drugs that can kill a number of enemy microorganisms. When we go to the doctor, and he prescribes to us what we perceive as antibiotics for the flu and colds.
- In a 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 for health and it does not have so many side effects. But at the same time, they are poorly suited for the treatment, for example, of acute respiratory viral infections. 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 for flu and colds are chosen, they are initially more dangerous. And the reason for this is the attack, which falls on a number of your native bacteria that provide immunity.
Can I treat colds with antibiotics?
Based on the foregoing, the answer becomes very simple and understandable: you can not treat a cold with antibiotics. After all, the latter is caused by viruses. The effectiveness of such treatment necessarily takes on a negative sign in the long run. And it turns out that the mothers, who give their children antibiotics at the slightest sneeze, actually cripple them without realizing it.
In what cases do you really need to apply them?
Despite this, in some cases, the use of antibiotics is not only shown, but also necessary to save a person’s life. When does this need to be done? Antibiotics for influenza and colds should not 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 ARVI. Here are just some of them:
- Bronchitis. It seems to be just a harmless disease. But in the long run, it can become chronic, and then go 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. Also, it does not form by itself, but often becomes a consequence of bronchitis. To prevent it, you need to not only heal with antibiotics, but also 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 due to simply frequent SARS. That is why they need to be cured to the end. Frequent relapses are a direct route to allergic processes in the airways.
These are only three diseases. There are also unpleasant conditions such as sinusitis or sinusitis, otitis media, rheumatoid arthritis, which are also complications of diseases of the upper respiratory tract. In general, a whole range of possible diseases. So it’s better not to bring complications. Moreover, no one has canceled the harm from antibiotics.
What are the consequences of taking antibiotics during acute respiratory viral infections?
What will happen to the body if during ARVI it is treated with antibiotics? 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 that always occurs with acute respiratory viral infections. And so, if you constantly use antibiotics for colds and flu, then there may be such consequences.
- Low 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 intestine, if antibiotics are used for colds and flu, this can lead to a significant decrease in immunity.
- Deterioration in 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 from the flu and colds, then it’s better not to think about it. Indeed, over time, bacteria will become accustomed to shock doses of the drug, and it will cease to act on them, it will be necessary to switch to heavier antibiotics, which lead to the following consequence.
- Liver. Naturally, all people know that antibiotics primarily 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 can not do so much harm to this organ, but if they treat any cold, they will have to use heavier drugs. But then the blow to the liver will go noble.
So you need to understand: colds, flu, and antibiotics are simply incompatible. And do not even try to refute it.
How to treat viral infections?
Well, another question arises, how to treat a cold then, because you should not bring to complications. It all depends on how often you get sick. If this happens all the time, then in healthy intervals you just need to do more sports and walk on the street, everything will go away by itself.
But if you are ill rarely enough, then some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, in particular mefenamic acid , will help maintain immunity during acute respiratory viral infections . It is cheap and very effective in the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections. Even a frequently ill person under her 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 negatively affect the digestive system. And in conjunction with alcohol - this is, in general, destructive power.
What antibiotics are best taken?
What to take antibiotics for colds? 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 at the same time effective. “Azithromycin” is a very good preparation, “Erythromycin” is also not bad.
These drugs are effective in treating complications. But in no case do not self-medicate. You can’t even imagine how serious a danger your body can be. Better if you feel unwell after you seem to be cured, then consult a doctor. He will help. But the best antibiotics for colds and flu, or rather their complications, are the ones listed above.
conclusions
So, we figured out a lot of things. In particular, we realized that in general, one should not ask what antibiotic is better for colds. But if exacerbations have already occurred, then at times it can save a life or prevent disability. But still, you need to communicate more with the doctor and become an active participant in the treatment process. Only in this case can health be guaranteed. Self-medication is never worth it.