Do you also pop antibiotics for every fever or cold? Read this first

Antibiotics are life-saving medicines, but they should only be used when truly needed. Experts warn that frequent and unnecessary use can affect gut health, immunity, and overall well-being in the long run.

In Short

• Antibiotics remain vital for treating bacterial infections and supporting complex medical care
• Unnecessary courses can upset the microbiome and alter normal body functions
• Common side effects include diarrhoea, bloating, nausea and stomach pain

Antibiotics have transformed modern medicine. They have helped doctors treat life-threatening bacterial infections, made surgeries much safer, and improved the success of treatments like organ transplants and cancer therapy. Millions of lives have been saved because of these medicines, making them one of the greatest medical discoveries in history.

However, antibiotics are not without risks. Most people know about antibiotic resistance, the growing problem where bacteria become resistant to medicines because of overuse. But experts say the effects of taking antibiotics too often go beyond resistance. Frequent or unnecessary use can disturb the body's natural balance, weaken gut health, and may even affect immunity over time.

Dr Surendran. R, Consultant, Infectious Disease, SIMS Hospital, Chennai, stresses that antibiotics should only be taken when prescribed for bacterial infections. They do not work against viruses such as those that cause the common cold or flu. Using them when they are not needed may do more harm than good.

ANTIBIOTICS CAN DISRUPT THE BODY'S GOOD BACTERIA

Our body is home to trillions of beneficial bacteria, known as the microbiome. These microorganisms live mainly in the gut and play an important role in digestion, producing vitamins, supporting the immune system, and protecting the body from harmful germs.

While antibiotics kill disease-causing bacteria, they also destroy many of these helpful bacteria. This can upset the natural balance of the microbiome, making it harder for the body to function normally.

In some people, the microbiome recovers after treatment. However, repeated or unnecessary courses of antibiotics may cause longer-lasting changes.

GUT PROBLEMS BECOME MORE COMMON

One of the most common side effects of antibiotics is digestive discomfort. People may develop diarrhoea, stomach pain, bloating, or nausea during or after taking these medicines.

The loss of healthy gut bacteria also allows harmful bacteria to multiply more easily, increasing the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea and certain gastrointestinal infections. In some cases, these infections can become serious and require further medical treatment.

Experts say maintaining a healthy gut microbiome is important for overall digestive health.

POSSIBLE IMPACT ON THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

Scientists are also studying how frequent antibiotic use may influence the immune system.

Research suggests that disturbing the microbiome may affect how the immune system develops and functions. Some studies have found possible links between repeated antibiotic use and a higher risk of allergies, asthma, and other immune-related conditions.

Although researchers say more evidence is needed to fully understand this connection, they believe the microbiome plays a major role in keeping the immune system healthy.

CHILDREN MAY FACE GREATER LONG-TERM EFFECTS

The early years of life are especially important for the development of the immune system and the gut microbiome.

When children receive antibiotics frequently or unnecessarily, the natural growth of healthy bacteria may be disrupted. Some studies suggest this could increase the risk of health problems later in life, although researchers continue to study these long-term effects.

For this reason, paediatricians recommend giving antibiotics to children only when they are clearly needed and prescribed by a healthcare professional.

ANTIBIOTICS DO NOT TREAT VIRAL INFECTIONS

One of the biggest reasons for antibiotic overuse is the misconception that they can cure every infection.

Antibiotics work only against bacteria. They do not kill viruses, which cause illnesses such as the common cold, influenza, most sore throats, and many coughs.

Taking antibiotics for viral infections offers no benefit. Instead, it exposes the body to unnecessary side effects and contributes to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.

USE ANTIBIOTICS RESPONSIBLY

Experts emphasise that antibiotics remain essential medicines and should never be avoided when they are genuinely needed. The goal is not to stop using antibiotics but to use them wisely.

To protect both individual and public health:

• Take antibiotics only when prescribed by a qualified doctor.
• Complete the full course exactly as directed.
• Never self-medicate or buy antibiotics without medical advice.
• Do not use leftover antibiotics from a previous illness.
• Avoid asking your doctor for antibiotics if you have a viral infection like a cold or the flu.

Using antibiotics responsibly helps preserve their effectiveness while protecting your body's natural defence system. When used only when truly necessary, these medicines continue to do what they were designed for: saving lives.

- Ends