Which diseases are cured by antibiotics

In some cases, the antibiotic-resistant illness can lead to serious disability or even death. Resistance can happen if the bacterial infection is only partially treated. To prevent this, it is important to finish taking the entire prescription of antibiotics as instructed, even if your child is feeling better. This complicated question, which should be answered by your healthcare provider, depends on the specific diagnosis. For example, there are several types of ear infections — most need antibiotics, but some do not.

Most cases of sore throat are caused by viruses. One kind, strep throat, diagnosed by a lab test, needs antibiotics. Common viral infections, like coughs or a cold, can sometimes become complicated and a bacterial infection can develop.

However, treating viral infections with antibiotics in order to prevent bacterial infections is not recommended because of the risk of causing bacterial resistance:. Remember that antibiotics do not work against viral colds and the flu, and that unnecessary antibiotics can be harmful. Talk with your healthcare provider about antibiotics and find out about the differences between viruses and bacteria, and when antibiotics should and should not be used.

Most bacteria are harmless and even helpful to people, but some can cause infections, like strep throat. Antibiotics ONLY treat certain infections caused by bacteria , such as:. Viruses are germs different from bacteria.

They cause infections, such as colds and flu. However, antibiotics do not treat infections caused by viruses. Anytime antibiotics are used, they can cause side effects. Common side effects range from minor to very severe health problems and can include:.

For more information on antibiotic resistance, visit Antibiotic Resistance Questions and Answers. Do antibiotics treat all bacterial infections? School of Medicine, Family Medicine. There are many different types of antibiotics that are made to treat various bacterial infections. What foods should I avoid if I take antibiotics?

Michael Gloth, III. If you take quinolones antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin Cipro , levofloxacin Levaquin , ofloxac What is an antibiotic ointment?

An antibiotic ointment is an oil-based preparation that fights bacteria on the skin. Page last reviewed: 23 May Next review due: 23 May Antibiotics should only be prescribed to treat health problems: that are not serious but are unlikely to clear up without antibiotics — such as acne that are not serious but could spread to other people if not promptly treated — such as the skin infection impetigo or the sexually transmitted infection chlamydia where evidence suggests that antibiotics could significantly speed up recovery — such as a kidney infection that carry a risk of more serious complications — such as cellulitis or pneumonia Learn why antibiotics are no longer routinely used to treat infections.

People at risk of bacterial infections Antibiotics may also be recommended for people who are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of infection.

This may include: people aged over 75 years babies less than 72 hours old who have a bacterial infection, or a higher than average risk of developing one people with heart failure people who have to take insulin for diabetes people with a weakened immune system — either because of an underlying health condition such as HIV or as a side effect of certain treatments, such as chemotherapy Antibiotics to prevent infection Antibiotics are sometimes given as a precaution to prevent, rather than treat, an infection.

Situations where antibiotics are given as a preventive treatment include: if you're having an operation after a bite or wound that could get infected if you have a health problem that means you're at higher risk of infection such as if you've had your spleen removed or you're having chemotherapy treatment If you're having an operation Antibiotics are normally recommended if you're having a type of surgery that carries a high risk of infection.