Antibiotic Sensitivity Test
Antibiotic sensitivity testing can be a useful tool in determining whether or not one is suffering from generalized antibiotic sensitivity or antibiotic cross sensitivity. Those who are sensitive to antibiotics may not experience the desired results from specific antibiotic treatments or may become ill due to the use or prescription of antibiotics. This is sometimes referred to as antibiotic sensitivity assay. Luckily, doctors do maintain an antibiotic sensitvity chart that tells them what antibiotics are more likely to cause reactions or complications in patients. Whenever possible, these antibiotics are avoided and another form of them or another drug altogether is prescribed.
Testing for antibiotic cross sensitivity and antibiotic sensitivity assay is done in controlled laboratories. Usually, however, this refers to testing to see what antibiotics will kill what bacteria. Some thought is given, however, as to what antibiotics may negatively impact those with sensitivity issues, hence the existence of the antibiotic sensitivity chart. The only real way for a patient to know if he suffers from generalized sensitivity or just sensitivity to just one antibiotic is to be prescribed the antibiotic. For this reason, it is important that patients tell their doctors if they have ever had negative reactions to an antibiotic in the past or if they have had to discontinue the use of a particular antibiotic because it was creating undesirable side effects. Often times, a doctor will then prescribe a lower dose of the antibiotic and gradually increase the dosage to reduce the likelihood of allergic reactions or sensitivity issues.
In rare cases, some individuals may not be able to take any kind of antibiotics whatsoever. If this is the case, there are still several options available to these individuals. Some may benefit from using herbal medications or other forms of medications that lessen symptoms while allowing the virus or bacteria to run its course. Others may take a more holistic approach and see specialty doctors to treat the issue. In some cases, individuals will simply have to wait for the bacteria or infection to pass on its own. If this is the case, doctors will carefully monitor the condition to be sure that it will clear up on its own. Other medicines are constantly being developed in order to help those who are suffering from antibiotic sensitivities, so it is always a good idea for patients to ask their doctors about all of their various options. Of course, it is also a good idea for all people to undergo antibiotic sensitivity testing, just to be sure that they do not have this condition.