Guide To Understanding Antibiotic Side Effects

Loss Of Appetite

Antibiotics can cause some individuals to experience a loss of appetite. At the same time, the loss of appetite might be influenced or caused by the underlying condition the antibiotics are treating. This is yet another side effect caused by the effects antibiotics have on the gastrointestinal system. When they kill off stomach bacteria, an individual's ability to feel hunger and process food is disrupted. In addition to antibiotics, patients might also experience a reduced appetite as a result of sedatives, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy. Individuals who have undergone major surgery recently might lose their appetite for a brief period as they recover. They're more likely to experience these effects if they are taking a bactericidal antibiotic, which kills bacteria. The other kind of antibiotic, called a bacteriostatic, doesn't kill existing bacteria but does stop them from multiplying. This antibiotic can be good for avoiding side effects, but it will only work on infections the immune system can fight alone. Using it on advanced infections is a bad idea.

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Diarrhea

Diarrhea is another effect often linked to antibiotics that occurs due to gastrointestinal issues with stomach bacteria. If the intestines aren't able to fully process and digest food, it can move through the body as loose stool. Individuals might pass undigested fibrous material along with other material and water. Diarrhea can be embarrassing, but it usually isn't severe enough to warrant stopping the medication. Patients can ask their doctor whether it's possible to take an over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medication to help deal with the issue. Once patients finish the course of antibiotics, mild cases of diarrhea should clear up naturally, though there are cases in which some individuals experience more severe diarrhea. If their diarrhea causes cramping, abdominal pain, fever, or nausea, patients should call a doctor. The same is true if individuals find blood or mucus in their stool. When these symptoms occur, it's sometimes because harmful bacteria have become overgrown in the intestines, which can turn into a life-threatening medical emergency. If the bacteria are antibiotic-resistant, they might also be difficult to treat.

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