Why does antibiotics make you sick

Norton Community Medical Associates — Preston. Norton Community Medical Associates — Clarksville. Pay My Bill Online. Pay your bill with a credit card. Schedule an Appointment Select an appointment date and time from available spots listed below. When this happens, people can experience serious health complications, like antibiotic-resistant infections and severe side effects.

The most commonly used antibiotics treat bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections UTIs , strep throat and skin infections. They are also used to treat more severe infections like sepsis. These antibiotics do not work for viral infections. Antibiotics are not needed for common bacterial infections that typically clear up on their own, such as some ear infections and many sinus infections. In addition, many patients carry bacteria in their urinary tract which is not harmful to them if their symptoms are minor, and antibiotics often cause more harm than good in these situations.

Ask your doctor if you truly meet criteria for receiving antibiotics for a UTI, or whether you can simply monitor your symptoms. Antibiotic allergic reactions Around 1 in 15 people have an allergic reaction to antibiotics, especially penicillin and cephalosporins.

In most cases, the allergic reaction is mild to moderate and can take the form of: a raised, itchy skin rash urticaria, or hives coughing wheezing tightness of the throat, which can cause breathing difficulties These mild to moderate allergic reactions can usually be successfully treated by taking antihistamines. Initial symptoms of anaphylaxis are often the same as a mild allergic reaction. They include: feeling lightheaded or faint breathing difficulties — such as fast, shallow breathing wheezing a fast heartbeat clammy skin confusion and anxiety collapsing or losing consciousness There may be other allergy symptoms, including an itchy, raised rash hives , feeling or being sick, swelling angioedema , or stomach pain.

Tetracyclines and sensitivity to light Tetracyclines can make your skin sensitive to sunlight and artificial sources of light, such as sun lamps and sunbeds. Avoid prolonged exposure to bright light while taking these medicines. Fluoroquinolones Severe aches and pains In very rare cases, fluoroquinolone antibiotics can cause disabling, long-lasting or permanent side effects affecting the joints, muscles and nervous system.

Are natural antibiotics safe? Do they work? Read about the best and worst natural antibiotics. We also discuss when to use prescription antibiotics.

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that requires urgent medical attention. Here, learn to recognize the symptoms and what to do next. Clostridium difficile, now called Clostridioides difficile C.

Antibiotics attack and destroy bacteria in the body. They can get rid of an infection, but they can also harm the beneficial bacteria in the gut. Some fungi occur naturally in the body, and they can be helpful or harmful.

An infection occurs when an invasive fungus becomes too much for the…. What are the side effects of antibiotics? Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm. Common side effects Rare and more severe side effects When to see a doctor Takeaway Doctors prescribe antibiotics to treat bacterial infections. Common side effects of antibiotics.

Share on Pinterest Serious side effects of antibiotics are rare.