Question

Bruce comes down with a horrible sinus infection (caused by bacteria) so he went to the doctor, picked up a prescription for antibiotics, and began treatment. Within a day or two he also comes down with an upset stomach and diarrhea. Which of the following explains these side effects?

1) The antibiotics are causing an allergic reaction
2) The antibiotics are killing off the good bacteria in his gut
3) The antibiotics are not strong enough to fight the infection
4) The antibiotics are interacting with another medication he is taking

Answer 1

The side effects of diarrhea and an upset stomach Bruce is experiencing are likely due to the antibiotics killing off the beneficial bacteria within his gut, which is a common consequence of antibiotic treatment.

Step-by-step explanation:

The diarrhea and upset stomach that Bruce is experiencing are most likely due to the antibiotics killing off the good bacteria in his gut. This is a common side effect of antibiotic use, as these medications cannot distinguish between harmful bacteria causing the infection and beneficial bacteria in the microbiome, particularly those in the digestive tract. The beneficial bacteria play a crucial role in digestion and in preventing overgrowth of harmful bacteria and fungi.

When antibiotics reduce the population of protective bacteria, opportunistic pathogens such as Clostridium difficile can proliferate, leading to gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea. Additionally, similar disruptions can allow for yeast infections when the normal balance of bacteria and yeast in other parts of the body, like the vagina, is disturbed. Therefore, side effects like diarrhea and yeast infections are unfortunately a risk of antibiotic therapy.