Antibiotics
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- Antibiotics Introduction
- Types of Antibiotics
- Taking Your Medicine
- Side Effects
- Allergy
- Interactions
- Current Issues in Medicine and Antibiotics
- Synonyms and Keywords
- References
- Authors and Editors
Antibiotics Introduction
Antibiotics are among the most frequently prescribed medications in modern medicine. Antibiotics cure disease by killing or injuring bacteria. The first antibiotic was penicillin, discovered accidentally from a mold culture. Today, over 100 different antibiotics are available to doctors to cure minor discomforts as well as life-threatening infections.
Although antibiotics are useful in a wide variety of infections, it is important to realize that antibiotics only treat bacterial infections. Antibiotics are useless against viral infections (for example, the common cold) and fungal infections (such as ringworm). Your doctor can best determine if an antibiotic is right for your condition.
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Antibiotics
Vaginal Yeast Infection Treatment »
Vaginal Yeast Infection Overview
Yeast infections are overgrowths of normally growing fungi in the vagina. Overgrowth inflames the vagina and creates discharge, odor, irritation, and/or itching. Normally growing bacteria in the body typically keep yeast fungi in check. If the natural balance of microorganisms is upset, the yeast may grow out of control. This is so common that 75% of all women experience a yeast infection at some time in their lives. Disruption of this natural balance may occur with any of the following:
- Use of antibiotics
- Diabetes
- A weakened immune system (for example from HIV/AIDS, steroid use, pregnancy, cancer chemotherapy or other drugs that weaken the immune system)
- Use of douches or feminine hygiene sprays
- Tight or noncotton underwear
- Hormonal changes
- Ovulation
- Menopause
...
Read What Your Physician is Reading on eMedicine
Antibiotics: A Review of ED Use »
Note: A one-page reference table with key therapy recommendations taken from this article can be downloaded in Adobe Acrobat format by clicking the Antibiotics Guidelines Summary.
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