General Medicines

Acid Reflux Disease

Acid reflux disease occurs when stomach acid regularly escapes into the esophagus. Its most common symptom is heartburn, a burning sensation in the esophagus. In addition to heartburn, acid reflux can cause a number of other symptoms, including:

Regurgitation – a bitter or sour acid taste at the back of your throat
Belching or Bloating
Early satiety – feeling full too soon

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Infectious Diseases

Bacteria and Infection

Bacteria are commonly found throughout the body.³ Beneficial bacteria aid in digestion, help protect from disease-causing organisms, and provide the body with nutrients.⁴ When harmful bacteria enter the body and multiply, they can cause infection and damage healthy cells.¹ Bacterial infections can range from mild sinus infection to life-threatening disease, as in severe cases of pneumonia.

The Role of Antibiotics

Antibiotics are used specifically to fight infections caused by bacteria. They work by killing bacteria or stopping them from multiplying so that the immune system can kill them off.⁶ There are many different types of antibiotics, and each is effective for specific types of bacteria. Some antibiotics can treat many types of bacteria. Doctors select the appropriate antibiotic by considering the symptoms and severity of the infection. Sometimes testing is required to determine the specific bacteria that caused the infection and the antibiotic that is effective against them.⁷

Antibiotics should not be used to treat infections caused by viruses, including the common cold, the flu, and bronchitis.⁸

Bacteria Can Become Resistant to Antibiotics

Bacteria have existed for billions of years. They have adapted to the availability of antibiotics and, in many parts of the world, are evolving to become resistant to many of today's powerful antibiotics. Inappropriate use of antibiotics is a primary cause of resistance.

To control antibiotic resistance and maintain the effectiveness of antibacterial drugs, antibiotics should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven, or strongly suspected, to be caused by susceptible bacteria. Antibacterial drugs should be taken at the appropriate dose for the optimum length of time by the person for whom they have been prescribed, as directed by their healthcare professional.

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