Antibiotics are drugs that treat bacterial infections such Helicobacter pylori infection, tuberculosis and urinary tract infections. Antibiotics kill all bacteria in your body, including "friendly" or beneficial bacteria. Your intestines contains beneficial bacteria, which suppress the overgrowth of disease-causing bacteria. When antibiotics kill these beneficial bacteria, you may develop antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea
Antibiotic-associated diarrhea occurs 5 to 10 days after starting antibiotic therapy, according to Mayo Clinic. The diarrhea is caused by the overgrowth of disease-causing bacteria in your intestines due to the destruction of beneficial bacteria by antibiotics. The doctor may advise you to take probiotics during or after antibiotic therapy to prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that are similar to beneficial bacteria found in your intestines. Probiotics help replenish your colon with beneficial bacteria that are killed by antibiotics. Probiotics are found in foods and dietary supplements. Examples of foods containing probiotics include yogurt, acidophilus milk, buttermilk, miso, tempeh and soy beverages.
Probiotics Side Effects
Probiotics rarely cause adverse effects, however, some patients may experience gas, bloating and abdominal discomfort after taking probiotics, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Probiotics may also cause serious infections if you have an existing medical condition. Consult your doctor before taking OTC probiotics supplements.
Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea Symptoms
If you take antibiotics for a longtime, you may develop a more severe form antibiotic-associated diarrhea called pseudomembranous colitis, according to Mayo Clinic. Symptoms of pseudomembranous colitis include abdominal pain, abdominal cramping, fever, bloody stools, pus in stool, nausea and vomiting. Call your doctor right away if you experience symptoms of pseudomembranous colitis.
