TEEN HEALTH Published July29, 2019 By Hannah Smith

Treating Bacterial Infection with Trimethoprim and Other Treatments

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Treating Bacterial Infection with Trimethoprim and Other Treatments
(Photo : Pixabay)

Bacteria are living microorganisms that can only be seen under a microscope. These living one-celled things look like balls, rods, or spirals, which through these shapes, one can determine what kind of bacteria has affected a person. 

This living microorganism is widely known and connoted negatively. However, you should know that not all bacteria cause such illnesses. One of the most helpful bacteria in our body, lactobacillus, helps digest food by breaking it down, making our body properly absorb the nutrients from the food that we eat.

Now, on the other hand, is the bacterial infection, in which we all widely known as the bad bacteria that causes the sickness in a person.

The bacterial infection is a buildup of a harmful strain of bacteria inside an individual's body. This then results in an infection in a certain area of the body, which affects the person resulting in sickness. Diseases like pneumonia, meningitis, and food poisoning are only one of the few illnesses that one can acquire through bacterial infection. 

With this said, the antibiotics are the usual treatment for the said diseases. Thus, know more as the discussion of bacterial infection, its treatment, and its medication trimethoprim takes place for today's article.

How to Treat Bacterial Infections

Considered as one of the most significant breakthroughs in medical history is the discovery of antibiotics, which is the primary medication for treatment and prevention in terms of bacterial infections.

Unfortunately, one of the greatest struggles in today's era is that bacteria are very adaptable, wherein the overuse of antibiotics has made the bacteria resistant to the said medication. This is now one of the world's serious problems in terms of medical health issues.

On the other hand, let us clarify that antibiotics are not effective against viruses, in which many people seem to mistaken it as a treatment for colds, flu, and other illnesses that are caused by anything other than bacteria. However, unless there is clear evidence that the disease is also caused by a bacterial infection, then you're good to go to make antibiotics as a medication.

Prevention and Treatment

Since infectious diseases are unavoidable in our lives, there are many strategies which are available to help us in protecting ourselves from infections and in treating a disease once it has developed.

Here are some actions that you can take:

Vaccines

Vaccines are the biological preparation which improves an individual's immunity to a specific disease. Technically speaking, a vaccine contains an agent which resembles a disease-causing microorganism which is often from a weakened or killed bacteria or its toxins.

This works by stimulating the body's immune system for it to remember the microbe and destroy it so that the next time it enters the body, the immune system can quickly identify and destroy it later on. 

Antibiotics

The antibiotics are considered as a powerful medicine which fights bacterial infections. This medicine either kills or stops the bacteria from proliferation, which allows the body's natural defenses (immune system) to eliminate the pathogens.

When used correctly, antibiotics can save lives. To use this drug correctly for effectiveness, one should take these drugs as directed by a doctor. Even after the symptoms disappear, one should not stop abruptly, not unless the doctor says so since the key to curing the infection and preventing the development of antibiotic resistance is the said following actions.

All About Trimethoprim

Trimethoprim is a medicine which belongs in the family of antibiotics. This drug is used as a treatment for bacterial infections, primarily Urinary Tract Infections such as Cystitis. However, it can also be used as a treatment in some lung infections like pneumonia and prevention to kidney infections in certain patients. 

This medication works by stopping the growth of bacteria inside a person's body. However, the unnecessary used or overuse of this antibiotic (or any antibiotic) can lead to a decrease in efficacy. Common unnecessary use is taking an antibiotic for viral infections like common cold and flu, which is a usual mistake by people unknowledgeable about medicines.

What are the Key Facts in Trimethoprim?

When considering taking this medicine, one should know what it does and what are the things that you need to know when using trimethoprim as your treatment. With this said, here are the key facts that should help you remember:

  • To treat infections, trimethoprim is usually taken twice a day.
  • Mostly, you'll feel better within a few days of taking trimethoprim, but do not stop taking it unless your doctor says so
  • This medication can be bought at local stores and even with a trimethoprim coupon.
  • The side effects might include mild skin rash or itching, but these are mild and short-lived.
  • Do not take this medicine if you ever had an allergic reaction to it.
  • Do not take this if you have kidney or liver issues, anemia, or low amounts of folic acid.
  • Do not take this if you have a blood disorder
  • Do not take this if you are pregnant or is planning to get pregnant.

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