Irrational use of antibiotics is harmful to public health as it not only weakens the body immune system but also expose those who used antibiotics frequently, without proper advice of medical practitioner, to different infections. This was revealed by medical experts while talking to Business Recorder here on Friday with reference to side effects of antibiotics to public health.
They were of the view that use of antibiotics must only be prescribed in peculiar circumstances, while self-medication of antibiotics prove dangerous. They maintained that irrational use of antibiotics weakens resistance power in human body, thus exposing the victim to different infections including bacterial, viral and fungal.
'Those who are facing the problems of kidney and Hepatitis must avoid use of antibiotics, as it may create more complications for them', they warned.
To a question, they said that antibiotics don't kill viruses, as it never has effect on cold, flu and most bronchitis cases, sinus problems or earaches. As a matter of fact, human body can fight a cold on its own, he added.
'Overuse of antibiotics is creating stronger germs and serious bacterial infections, like strap throat, are becoming resistant to common antibiotics and are harder to treat', they pointed out.
They further said that antibiotics are powerful drugs, but they don't cure everything. Antibiotics don't work against viruses such as colds or flu. If one take antibiotics for a viral illness he or she could develop resistant germs or super-bugs.
They stated that many people also don't follow the directions for taking antibiotics for particular duration. After a few days, many people start to feel better and stop taking the antibiotics despite the fact that all the germs, have not been killed. Unfortunately, the bacteria that survive will be the most resistant to the antibiotic. Those last few pills kill the worst germs.
To another query, they said side effects of antibiotics include diarrhoea, dizziness, heartburn, insomnia, nausea, itching, vomiting, confusion, abdominal pain, easy bruising, bleeding, rash and allergic reactions. In some cases, crystals may form in the urine (crystalluria) and cause urinary tract problems.