Doctors choose antibiotics primarily based on the type of bacteria likely causing an infection, sometimes using tests to confirm the specific bacteria and determine effective antibiotics.
Understanding Antibiotic Selection
The selection of an appropriate antibiotic is a crucial step in treating bacterial infections effectively. The choice isn't random; it follows a specific process based on medical knowledge and, sometimes, laboratory results.
Initial Selection
- Based on Common Bacteria: Initially, doctors often choose an antibiotic based on the bacteria that often cause a certain infection. This is possible because specific types of infections (like a common ear infection or a strep throat) are frequently caused by predictable types of bacteria.
Confirming the Cause and Treatment
- Testing for Accuracy: Sometimes your doctor will do a test. This step is vital for several reasons:
- Identify Exact Bacteria: The test helps to identify the exact type of bacteria causing your infection.
- Check Antibiotic Reaction: It also checks how the identified bacteria reacts to certain antibiotics. This is often referred to as sensitivity testing, which helps the doctor know which antibiotics will be most effective and which ones the bacteria are resistant to.
By combining their knowledge of common infections with specific test results when necessary, doctors can make an informed decision on which antibiotic is most likely to successfully treat your infection.
