Conventional drug: Antibiotic: What is it? Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections. Bacteria are in and around us, and usually our immune system protects us from any harmful effects of these organisms.
When our defence systems break down, it allows bacteria to travel to a vulnerable site and multiply rapidly, leading to a destruction of tissue and the release of toxins. Toxins released into the blood stream can cause a spread of infection to vital organs.
What's it good for? Used to fight infection caused by bacteria, the type of antibiotic used will depend on the site of infection and the bacteria involved. Some drugs are designed to have a broad spectrum of activity against a wide range of bacteria, while others are effective against only a few specific ones.
How does it work? Bactericidal antibiotics kill the bacterial organism directly, while bacteriostatic antibiotics halt the multiplication of the bacteria, allowing the body's immune system to overcome the remaining infection.
Any contraindications? In the case of a previous adverse reaction to an antibiotic, it is advisable to avoid antibiotics in the same or related classes.
Possible side effects? Nausea and diarrhoea are common. Severe adverse reaction to antibiotics can cause rashes, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing and require immediate medical assistance. Long-term treatment with antibiotics can cause overgrowth of other bacteria, such as candida, or thrush, which can subsequently develop in the mouth, vagina or bowel. A rare but potentially fatal side effect, pseudomembranous colitis, causes violent bloody diarrhoea. Antibiotic resistance is an increasing problem worldwide.
Dr Muiris Houston
Alternative Remedy: Arnica
What is it? A homeopathic remedy derived from the arnica montana alpine plant which is part of the daisy family.
How does it work?
As in all homeopathic medicine, this remedy works by mimicking the symptoms of the illness, thereby triggering the body's own healing response to the ailment.
What is it good for? Arnica helps to heal soft tissue bruising - either on the surface of the body or internally. It is valued for speeding up the process of healing following childbirth, surgery, physical injury or over exertion. Some people also use it for jetlag.
Are their any contraindications or drawbacks? It should not be taken alongside aromatherapy essential oils, as these are believed to counteract its effect. Also, there should be no strong tasting substances (e.g. coffee, mint or eucalyptus toothpaste, etc) in the mouth 30 minutes before and after taking arnica. When used in tincture form, it can not be used on broken skin. However, the tablet and cream forms are fine in such instances. As with other homeopathic medicine, use in pregnancy is not contraindicated. Arnica is suitable for humans of all ages and also for pets.
Are there any side-effects? No, but as with all homeopathic medicines, you should stop taking it as soon as you begin to feel better. Continuing the treatment at this stage may exacerbate the symptoms.
Sylvia Thompson