Millions of lives were lost before penicillin has finally been discovered! People go as far as saying that the discovery of Penicillin has actually changed the face of medicine and the way that we see and act upon different health issues and problems and that is entirely true! You probably know that Penicillin is defined as an antibiotic but did you know the fact that Penicillin was actually the first antibiotic ever used in medicine? And you probably have heard about Penicillin being discovered accidentally, but do you know what actually has happened?

The answers to these and many other interesting questions you will find in today’s article as we unravel the mysteries that are hidden behind the discovery of penicillin and the eventual progress of medicine once and for all! But most importantly, we are here to discuss the mechanism of the act of penicillin and how exactly does penicillin kill off thousands of different bacteria in order to improve our health and free us off all those annoying symptoms. Stay with us to get all of the details!

What is penicillin?

Penicillin is the first antibiotic known to man. Penicillin is actually not only one single antibiotic – it is a group of antibiotics with strong abilities to kill off different kinds of bacteria. It is an antibiotic that is taken orally and which is found to be helpful in numerous occasions against numerous different types of bacteria such as Streptococci (especially Streptoccoci pneumoniae), Listeria, Shigella, Salmonella, H.influenze, Clostridium and many, many others. Because of its strong antibiotic properties, penicillin has so far saved thousands of patients in their battle against middle ear, sinus, bladder, kidney infections as well as pneumonia, sepsis, gonorrhea, meningitis, endocarditis, and other serious and potentially life-threatening infections, infections which in the past, before the discovery of penicillin have won these battles and ended so many innocent lives.

Penicillin is taken with or without food, as instructed by the doctor. Penicillin must be prescribed – there is no possibility for penicillin to be given over-the-counter so you must have your doctor’s prescription in order to use penicillin.

The history of penicillin

It was somewhere in the middle of London in 1928 when Dr. Alexander Fleming came back to his laboratory and found himself amazed by what he saw there that day. What he discovered was the presence of a mold known as Penicillium notatum right there in one of this Petri dishes making a clear range of the mold itself and the bacteria – staphylococci in the dish. After putting the Petri dish under a microscope, he was fascinated by the finding that that single mold has prevented the further growth of the bacteria! It took him several more weeks in order to redo the experiment a few more times before he had clear results about this exceptional finding.

When he first presented his findings to the people, they were amazed as well. But it did not take long until they tried the effects of the Penicillium notatum and confirmed the results themselves. From that day on, the numbers of cases lost due to gonorrhea and pneumonia as well as other potentially life-threatening bacterial infections to drop. It was in the middle of 1940s, that the first clinical trials have been made, and the wounded soldiers from World War Two were treated with the use of penicillin as the world’s first antibiotic ever! Later on, Dr. Alexander Fleming came to report that on that single day – September 28^th, 1928, he woke up and never thought that would be the day when he would make an amazing, life-changing discovery that will save thousands of lives in the years to come. The truth is that he never once thought that he would be the man that would change the face of medicine, as it is said numerous times although that is what most scientists dream of. Thanks to Dr. Fleming, now we have something huge to rely on when it comes to killing off harmful bacteria and changing our lives.

How does penicillin actually work?

In order to understand how penicillin works, first we have to discuss the unique structure of the bacteria. Each bacteria contains cytoplasm, nucleoid, and organelles, all well protected in a capsule and a cell wall. In that cell wall, a substance known as peptidoglycan is present. The peptidoglycan is composed of sugars and polypeptides that together, form a strong, hard lattice that surrounds the cell wall, making it highly durable and strong. Not only that – the peptidoglycans also make sure that the external fluids stay as far as away as possible from the inside of the bacteria so that no changes in the osmotic pressure would occur that would eventually cause the bacteria to burst and die.

This is where penicillin comes in hand, causing everything that we have mentioned before to actually happen! It has been discovered that penicillin has the ability to damage the peptidoglycan and with that to weaken the cell wall so that there would be changes in the osmotic pressure which will eventually cause the bacterial cell to burst open and die. What penicillin does is damage the peptidoglycan so that a hole is created, however, because the penicillin damages the link in the peptidoglycan, the bacteria are unable to undo the damage and recover. In that time, water rushes through the hole and into the bacteria, causing internal damages so that the bacteria would burst.

It is important to remember that the peptidoglycan is present only in the wall cell of the bacteria and it is not found in the walls of the human cells. This makes it impossible for the human cells to get damaged by the presence of penicillin in the body which means that penicillin is actually selectively toxic and does not harm our own cells.

Is penicillin safe?

As any other antibiotic, penicillin has some potential side-effects of which the patient should be warned, although, penicillin generally is classified as a safe antibiotic. Common side effects of penicillin include diarrhea, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, abdominal pain, bleeding, skin rash and many others which are all listed on the instructions that come with each packaging of penicillin. Your doctor will warn you about the most common possible side effects and it will be your job to remember them and report their occurrence to the doctor as soon as possible as to avoid any additional complications. Other than the possible side effects, an allergic reaction to penicillin is also possible.

Unfortunately, not all people are able to receive penicillin without experiencing something more than the usual side effects. A penicillin allergy is, unfortunately, a common complication that results in the occurrence of hives, itching, fever, swelling, and skin rash among other characteristic symptoms. These symptoms develop as a result of the abnormal reaction of your immune system to the presence of penicillin in your body. The important thing is once again, to notice the symptoms and inform your doctor as well as, remembering the fact that you are allergic to penicillin so that you will be able to avoid experiencing these symptoms ever again in the future. Other than that, penicillin is reported to be a safe antibiotic that has more positive than negative effects and we should be thankful for its existence.

Conclusion

We can say that the beginnings of modern medicine, as we know it today, have started with the discovery of penicillin back in 1928 by the famous Dr. Alexander Fleming. His masterpiece found accidentally in his laboratory has changed the face of medicine from day one and we should be thankful about it every day. If you think about it – penicillin has gradually reduced the numbers of innocent victims of gonorrhea, meningitis, endocarditis, rheumatic fever and so many other potentially life-threatening bacterial infections. In today’s article we have discussed the history of this famous antibiotic – the first antibiotic even, actually that has helped to save millions of lives all around the world. And how exactly? Penicillin has found a unique way to damage and kill of potentially life-threatening bacteria and that is by damaging the wall of their cell that is meant to protect them from any harm.

The unique mechanism of penicillin has abled this strong antibiotic to save our lives by quickly damaging the bacteria and kill them off in only a few days at the matter. Sure, there are some side effects that you should keep in mind, but the chance to get better and without any complications with the use of penicillin is the much bigger picture here and we should never forget that. We hope that through today’s article, you have learned everything that you have wanted to know about penicillin and especially its mechanism of the act. We also hope that from today on you will be able to appreciate the existence of penicillin as we have in the past.

Creatine is an organic acid that is found in human muscles, animal meat, and fish.  When you work-out, your muscles produce creatinine which is a waste product from the body.

Creatinine is released into the blood where your kidney filters it out, channeling it as waste released through the urine. If your kidney fails to process creatinine and levels rise, this can lead to severe and life-threatening kidney problems called uremia, which literally means “urine in the blood.”

Signs and symptoms of uremia include vomiting, swelling of the legs, nausea, constant headaches, weight loss, anorexia, fatigue and change in mental status.  Doctors order creatinine tests when they want to determine the functionality of your kidneys.

The normal range of creatinine in the blood should range between 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL for men and 0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL for women. Men have greater muscle mass, and that is why their level is higher than that of the female.

Despite the lack of studies on the effects, creatine supplement is a product used by bodybuilders to increase the mass of their muscles. It is also used by athletes to give them more energy. People with diabetes or kidney problems are advised to check creatinine levels through blood work or urine work ups before taking creatine supplement products. Diabetes may affect kidney functionality and may cause creatinine levels to rise abnormally. The use of creatine supplements can worsen the situation.

What causes creatinine levels to rise?

In a healthy person, creatinine levels may rise due to your diet and lifestyle or other factors. Factors that cause it to rise include:

• Vigorous exercise. Strenuous exercise cause your muscles to release a lot of creatinine in the blood.  People who do vigorous exercise tests for high levels of creatinine in the blood during their activities. Normally functioning kidneys are able to remove creatinine from your blood making this elevation of levels temporary and categorically harmless.
• During body and muscle building activities. A bodybuilder lifts heavy objects and causes a lot of muscle movements which produces creatinine.
• Excessive protein intake. Protein increases the level of creatinine in the blood. Red meat and fish contain creatine your body converts to creatinine and releases into the blood. Increases from diet are significantly less than from muscle activity, however.
• Creatine supplements. Creatine supplements are widely used to supply energy and build muscles. They are mainly used by bodybuilders and athletes to boost their performance.
• Poorly functioning kidneys. When the kidney is not able to remove creatinine in the blood, creatinine levels rise.
• Chemotherapy and antibiotics can raise levels.
• Enlarged prostate in men can raise levels
• Diabetes can also affect levels

How to lower creatinine level

The most effective way to lower creatinine levels in the blood is to diagnose the underlying cause and look for lasting treatments for the cause.

Natural ways to lower creatinine levels

Change your lifestyle

Rising levels of creatinine are due to your kidneys falling behind on their job of keeping these levels in check. If you stop any activity or supplements that are causing levels to rise, your kidneys should eventually catch up and bring levels down again, provided they are functioning properly.

Talk to your doctor about the kind of exercise that will not increase the levels of creatinine in your blood.

Ensure you have enough sleep every day. Lack of enough sleep can cause stress to your kidneys and prevent them from functioning properly.

Adopting special diet

Stop eating meat or high-protein foods.

Stop using creatine supplements. Consult a doctor about what supplements you can use.

Use supplements that are said to lower creatinine level

Chitosan is a supplement that is used by people who want to lower their cholesterol levels and manage their weight. Chitosan is also useful in keeping kidneys function properly.

Water intake

Water will aid excretion and improves the performance of your kidney. If you don’t have any problem with your kidney, ensure you drink the recommended amount of water per day. For adults, the generic recommendation is eight glasses of water per day at eight ounces per glass. If you have kidney problems and you rely on dialysis, drinking a lot of water may cause more problems. Talk to your doctor for a recommendation on how much water to drink per day.

Medical ways to lower creatinine levels

In order to stay healthy, your body needs remove any waste products. The kidney are key players in this, filtering out waste products from the blood. Continued accumulation of toxins in the body may be fatal, should your kidneys cease to function well.

The most widely used procedure that is used to remove toxins in the body mechanically is dialysis. Dialysis is a process where a machine is used to remove wastes from the blood. The blood is directed to the machine, cleansed and returned to the patient. This is a costly and time-consuming option, but it is sometimes the last option left for patients with chronic kidney disorders.

Conclusion

Your body produces creatinine through muscle movements. The level of creatinine in the blood is kept in check by your kidneys. However, when the levels of creatinine in the blood continue to increase, there is likely a problem with your kidneys.

Doctor can test for creatine levels through urine or blood samples. Have this done if presented with any of the symptoms of high creatinine levels.

Once wrinkles and fine lines start appearing, it is an indication your skin is not holding up well anymore. However, it is almost inevitable that your skin will develop fine lines and wrinkles at some point in your life. The good thing is that there are unlimited products in the market and procedures to help in reducing the effects of wrinkles if not to get rid of them entirely. Among the available solutions to skin wrinkles, Botox is by far the most sought-after cosmetic procedure today.

What is Botox?

Botox is a type of toxin derived from the bacterium, Clostridium Botulinum naturally found in the soil, forests, lakes, inside the intestinal tracts of mammals and organs of crabs and the shellfish. The truth is that higher amounts of this toxin can be highly poisonous and dangerous. However, application of small and weaker doses of the toxin is effective in reducing facial fine lines and wrinkles. You will be shocked by the soaring number of celebs undergoing Botox as a way of maintaining their youthful-looking skin.

What is Botox used for?

Apart from the aesthetic use, Botox is also used in the treatment of other conditions affecting normal body functioning. Among the conditions include;

• Cervical dystonia- this is a condition where the neck muscles contract involuntarily resulting in uncomfortable head-twisting. In many clinical trials to correct the abnormal posture and movement of the neck, Botox has been shown to help in reducing the effects of cervical dystonia effectively.
• Chronic migraines– migraines are severe neurological conditions characterized by headaches of varying intensity. If you are suffering chronic migraine for at least 15 months a month, then Botox injections may come in handy to help in reducing the frequency of headaches. In 2010, the United States Food Administration approved Botox for treatment of chronic migraines since it proved effective in reducing frequency and severity of headaches suffered.
• Lazy eye- this condition is usually caused by an imbalance in muscles liable for positioning the eye. A study evaluating the role of botulinum toxin in treating strabismic amblyopia concluded that the treatment is safe and effective in treating deep amblyopia in children. Botox injections were also proved to be beneficial and effective in correcting strabismus, a condition that sometimes causes amblyopia.
• Hyperhidrosis- this is excessive sweating, even at low temperatures. Research to determine the effectiveness of Botulinum toxin in the treatment of palmar and axillary hyperhidrosis found Botox to be safe and more effective compared to sympathectomy which is the typical treatment option many people opt for.
• Muscle contractures– cerebral palsy among other neurological conditions may significantly affect your body’s normal functioning. Muscle contractions, for instance, may result in pulling of limbs towards the center. Botox injections are used in such a case to help relax the muscles and aid in the treatment of flexion contractures.
• Eye twitching/ blepharospasm- this is an involuntary or abnormal twitching or blinking of the eyelids. There is a close association of this condition with basal gangling which is the part of the brain that controls muscles. Botulinum toxin A treatment will help you to get relieved from the contractures.
• Bladder dysfunction– an overactive bladder may result in urinary incontinence, and Botox injections may come in handy to stop the condition.

How Botox works

The secret behind how Botox works is by paralyzing muscle activity around the injected area. For instance, injecting the contacted facial muscles, which result in wrinkles, helps to weaken the muscles and in turn reducing the wrinkles. According to a report by Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, Botulinum toxin A prevents acetylcholine from being released by cholinergic nerve end plate resulting in paralysis of muscle activity. This, therefore, prevents the chemical signals that cause muscles to contract from the nerves.

How the procedure is done

A Botox procedure will take just a few minutes. In most cases, anesthesia is not required. Only fine needles used to inject Botox into the needed muscles. Minor discomfort is also likely but not something to worry about.

After getting Botox treatment, it may take roughly between seven and fourteen days for full effects to be realized. It is recommendable that you quit alcohol consumption at least a week before the procedure.  On the other hand, taking anti-inflammatory medications and aspirin is discouraged at least two weeks to the procedure. This is so to prevent and reduces cases of bruising.

How long a Botox injection lasts

Botox is not a one-time treatment since it lasts roughly 3-6 months before the muscles regain their contraction and wrinkles begin to reappear. After this period, you need to redo the process. The good thing, however, is that wrinkles become less and less severe with subsequent treatments because of muscle shrinkage over time.

Possible side effects of Botox treatments

In most cases, bruising is common after undergoing Botox treatment. There are, however, many other side effects associated with Botox treatment, especially when not performed correctly. Among them are;

• Pain, redness, bruising, and swelling around the injected area
• Flu-like symptoms and headaches
• Drooping eyelids
• Muscle stiffness, neck, and back pains
• Increased sweating in other areas other than the armpits
• Loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain
• Tearing that results in eye dryness
• Drooling or crooked smile

In the worst scenario where the effects of botulinum toxin A have to spread to other parts of the body the following side effects may be experienced;

• Eyesight and vision problems
• Muscle weakness across the entire body
• Breathing problems
• Problems when swallowing or speaking
• Inability to have bladder control
• Drainage or crusting from the eyes
• Faster, slow and uneven heart rate

These effects are highly unlikely, but you must always be prepared for any eventuality before contacting your doctor who will then perform the procedure. This way, you will be in a position to know what you need to do in case of such symptoms.

Going about selecting the right doctor to perform Botox procedure

Choosing a wrong doctor can be disastrous to your overall health. Botox injections need to be carefully and precisely placed to avoid the possibility of the mentioned side effects. An excellent way to go about this is by getting referrals from your primary care doctor or finding one that is specialized and has experience administering Botox procedures.

When you are sure you are in the right hands, the skilled and experienced doctors will explain to you everything entailed in Botox treatments, possible side effects and advise if you are an ideal candidate for the procedure.

Preparing for the Botox procedure

Once you are done choosing the right doctor to undertake the process, it is essential to prepare to ensure the procedure is a success. First and foremost discuss everything concerning Botox procedure including opening up about the kind of medications you are currently taking such as allergy medications sleeping aids and muscle relaxants. This is important for the doctor to book you the right day to perform the procedure. For instance, if you are taking blood thinners, you will need to forgo them for several days before the day to prevent bruising and bleeding risks.

What to expect before, during and after the Botox procedure

Before

Depending on your ability to tolerate the discomfort from the injection, talk to your doctor about skin numbing, especially if you are undergoing treatment for excessive sweating. In such cases, the doctor will use one or a combination of the available methods to numb the specific area before injections. Use of vibration anesthesia, topical anesthesia and ice are good options that help reduce the discomfort associated with Botox treatments.

During

Botox is all about injecting a minimal amount of botulinum toxin A into muscle or skin areas. Your doctor will determine how many injections are necessarily based on the size of the area to be treated among other factors. You will always have to visit your doctor’s office for this procedure.

After

The procedure has typically no apparent side effects that may hinder your daily activities. However, you should remain vigilant to ensure the treated area is not rubbed or massaged as this can result in a spread of the toxin to other areas around the treated area.

When should you expect results?

Botox treatment starts working a few days after the procedure is carried out. The effect of the treatment may then vary between three and six months depending on the particular problem being treated. Once the effect of Botox subsides, you will need to go for another procedure

Conclusion

Botox is undoubtedly one of the most common non-surgical cosmetic treatment attracting millions of people across the world. This is despite the fact that botulinum toxin is considered to be deadly. The procedure helps reduce wrinkles and facial lines by paralyzing muscles from contracting using a minimal amount of the toxin. Besides, this procedure may be used in treating migraines, overactive bladder, muscular disorders, Hemifacial spasms, crow’s feet, hyperhidrosis, and blepharospasm among other conditions.

Before going for the procedure, first, understand if you are an ideal candidate. Pregnant and breastfeeding women and individuals with neurological disorders are advised not to use Botox treatments. This brings you back to consulting with your doctor before making any decision.