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| Do Antibiotics Kill Good Bacteria in the Stomach? |
YES,Not only in the Stomach but also in the Vaginal FLORA!
One reason why antibiotic side effects are increasing by the day is because pharmaceutical companies are being forced to introduce stronger drugs in an effort to counter the increasingly resistant “bugs”. Continual use of antibiotics is going to affect even a healthy body, it is unavoidable.
And if the medication is given to an individual who is physically weak, does not have a strong constitution or immune system then it is only a matter of time before the body starts exhibiting symptoms of antibiotic side effects. Another likely reason why antibiotic side effects can occur is that these drugs often do not discriminate between the good bacteria and harmful bacteria, it kills them both.
The loss of good bacteria leaves the space open for the harmful bacteria and sometimes yeast to take their place – this is termed “opportunistic infection”. “Candida albicans”, a yeast which causes candidiasis is an example of this type of infection. Diarrhea, especially in children, is linked to the loss of good bacteria following antibiotic treatment. Loss of good bacteria makes the situation worse for individuals undergoing chemotherapy or suffering from autoimmune conditions.
Antibiotic tablets irritate the lining of the stomach mucous membrane; this can be overcome by injecting the medicine into the system or by taking the tablets after meals. Avoid taking antibiotics on an empty stomach.
Here are some common side effects of antibiotics
- Diarrhea
- Candidiasis
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Fever
- Nausea
- Photodermatitis
- Shortness of breath
- Rashes on the skin
- Vaginal itching
Interfering with the action of other drugs
Severe antibiotic side effects include swelling of joints, tongue, fainting, severe and bloody diarrhea, and any symptom that can be construed as an allergic reaction to the drug.
Let us now take a look at the side effects of different classes of drugs -
Beta-lactams such as penicillins – These are probably the most venerable of antibiotics and are also very mild in their toxicity when compared to other categories of antibiotics. They can be harmful if an individual is allergic to them but otherwise diarrhea, stomach upset, and nausea are the common side effects of penicillin. If rashes, anaphylactic shock, and fever occur then it should be considered an allergic reaction to penicillin and immediate medical care should be availed.
Cephalosporins – Along with penicillins, these drugs complete the beta-lactam category of antibiotics. Cephalosporins are very versatile with a very broad spectrum of use. Side effects of cephalosporins include diarrhea, stomach upset, nausea, and vomiting. Allergic sensitivity to penicillin class of antibiotics can result in similar sensitivity to cephalosporins.
Flouroquinolones – These are broad-spectrum antibacterial drugs. Common and the less serious side effects include nausea sometimes accompanied by vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. The more troublesome and relatively less common side effects include headaches, giddiness, convulsions, and phototoxicity.
Tetracyclines – These drugs can acquire toxic levels if taken for a long time. Soreness of the mouth, kidney damage, and irritation of the stomach lining are side effects of tetracycline drugs that should not be ignored. These drugs make the skin sensitive to light and sometimes even routine exposure to sunlight, like a day on the beach, can cause sunburn. These drugs are meant for children above the age of eight years. They should be strictly avoided during pregnancy.
Macrolides – Routine side effects of macrolides include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. This medication is not advisable for individuals with liver dysfunction. One side effect of macrolides is impaired hearing. Macrolides are also known to cause allergic reaction such as skin rashes and anaphylaxis.
Aminoglycosides – Irreversible ear damage and the risk of kidney damage are the major side effects of aminoglycosides.
Bacterial infections are a common occurrence in the health care system. There are many types of infections,caused by a wide variety of bacteria, that affect various parts of the body. In most cases, the treatment of bacterial infections requires the use of prescription antibiotics. Unfortunately, antibiotics can also kill bacteria that are part of the normal host flora in your body, resulting in an imbalance that allows the overgrowth of certain species that can result in another infection.
Antibiotics
There are many types of antibiotics, each with a unique mechanism of action. The selection of an antibiotic for treatment depends on the type of infection, the likely organisms involved, and local resistance patterns. For most infections, antibiotics are either taken orally or given as an intravenous infusion. Unfortunately, an antibiotic used to treat an infection can also kill normal host bacteria that are susceptible to the effects of the medication.
Normal Flora
The most noticeable effect of antibiotics on host bacteria typically occurs in the digestive tract. The intestines contain bacteria that are part of the normal gut flora that help to digest and process consumed food. These bacteria may also produce vitamins for the body such as vitamin K. In addition to the digestive system, bacteria that are part of the normal vaginal flora in women can also be affected by the use of antibiotics. Most digestive bacteria reside in the intestines since they cannot survive in the acidic environment within the stomach. However, H. pylori can reside in the stomach, but is not considered a good bacteria since it is responsible for gastric ulcers.
Antibiotic Effects on Normal Flora
The use of antibiotics can cause an imbalance of the normal flora within the digestive tract. Certain types of bacteria may take advantage of this opportunity to prosper and cause an infection. Clostridium difficile is a common intestinal infection that can occur following the use of certain antibiotics. Symptoms of a gut infection include abdominal cramps, bloating, bloody stools, fever, and excessive diarrhea. In women, antibiotics can kill normal vaginal flora, leaving the individual more susceptible to yeast infections.
Probiotics
In order to maintain a normal balance in the gut, probiotics medications can be used for patients who are using antibiotics. Probiotics are live cultures of bacteria that are normally found within the digestive system. In addition to probiotic medications, live cultures may also be available in certain food products such as yogurt. Patients should speak with a physician with concerns about the use of antibiotics and probiotics.
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