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In our lifetime, many of us will experience the flu, an ear infection, or perhaps a wound that becomes infected.  When these situations arise, it is common for doctors to prescribe  a treatment with antibiotics.  Generally, patients experience an improvement within the first few days after treatment begins.  No, this is not magic; but the science behind antibiotics.

Antibiotics are chemical substances that are made from microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria.  These substances are used to destroy or slow the growth of harmful microorganisms.  The most common use for antibiotics is to treat infectious disease, although they may be used to treat discomfort and assist in the healing of minor wounds.

There are over 100 different types of antibiotics available, however there are several main types including well-known substances such as; penicillin and tetracycline.  Each type of antibiotice is formulated to treat specific types of infections.

It is important that doctors determine what kind of bacteria is causing the infection, from there they will determine which type of antibiotic will best treat this condition.  In instances where the bacteria is common and well-known such as those involved in an earache; the doctor will know immediately what to prescribe.  However,  in serious infections like pnemonia or an uncommon type of infection; the doctor may require a culture be sent to the lab to determine what kind of bacteria is involved.

Also, doctors must note any medications the patient is currently taking to determine if any drug interactions will take place or the risk of a side effect occurring.  They must also ensure that the patient does not have any known allergies to the prescribed antibiotics.

Once a patient receives an antibiotic it is crucial to note any special requirements for taking the medications such as; whether or not it must be taken with water, on a full stomach, or kept at a specific temperature.

When kept properly and taken according to the directions and for the length of time prescribed; antibiotics can help rapidly heal infections.