Antibiotics Effects: The Pros & Cons of Taking All the Pills

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Since the discovery of antibiotics in the 1940s, many diseases caused by bacteria have been cured and treated. However, these powerful drugs have been getting negative publicity these days due to several studies claiming they are actually harmful to the body.

In order to fully understand what antibiotics can really do to the body, here is a list of its pros & cons:

PRO: Antibiotics kill disease-causing bacteria.

According to Microbiology Online, antibiotics are chemicals that aid the killing or inhibiting of bacteria growth through the prevention of bacterial cell multiplication.

CON: Some of the bacteria are left out to modify their DNA and become drug-resistant.

Mirror UK writes that a study done by the British Association of Dermatologists has found a growing number of skin patients being resistant to antibiotic cream for acne. Furthermore, the study shows that 79.5 percent of these skin patients are now bacteria-carriers.

PRO: Antibiotics can save lives.

Before the discovery of penicillin, the leading cause of death is infection, which includes pneumonia, tuberculosis and gastrointestinal diseases.

CON: They can cause life-threatening anaphylactic shock.

Allergic reaction to penicillin is rated as the highest cause of anaphylactic shock among humans. According to eMed Expert, approximately 1 out of 5000 exposures to penicillin has led to anaphylaxis.

PRO: They can prevent common colds from progressing to pneumonia.

A study, published in the Annals of Family Medicine last 2013, shows that by giving antibiotics to patients suffering from common colds, lowers the risk of developing pneumonia, reports Modern Medicine Network.

CON: Early antibiotic use can affect child development.

According to Medical News Today, a study conducted in New York has discovered that early administration of antibiotics in children has led to weight gain and larger bones, and is said to possibly contribute to obesity in later years.

PRO: Antibiotics can kill superbugs or bacteria that cause serious infections.

Reuters reports that a new antibiotic, called teixobactin, has been discovered to kill serious infections in mice without detecting any resistance, and could be a cure for some deadly diseases.

CON: Overusing antibiotics can put all patients in nursing homes at risk.

Based on a study published in the JAMA Internal Medicine, the use of too much antibiotics increases the risk of medicine reactions, allergies, diarrhea and infection among patients confined in a home facility, Times of Malta reports.

In conclusion, antibiotics can surely give a person the best of both worlds, that is why it is highly recommended to consult a medical expert before using them. Never take antibiotics without prescription from a medical professional to avoid developing antibiotic-resistance and any other adverse effects.