Bacterial infections

The symptoms of bacterial infections vary depending on the affected area. Common bacterial infections include: 

• Pneumonia: Symptoms may include chest pain, fever, coughing, and a general feeling of ill health. 
• Middle ear infection: Characterized by earache, and possibly discharge from the ear. 
• Bladder infection: May cause pain during urination, frequent urges to urinate, and lower abdominal pain. 
• Skin infections: Often present with redness, swelling, itching, or pain in the affected area. 
• Rheumatoid arthritis: Results in swollen, stiff, and painful joints due to the immune system's response to bacterial presence. 
• Gastroenteritis: Leads to stomach pain and diarrhea. 
• Eye infection: Symptoms include redness, pain, and possibly a discharge. 

Antibiotics are the primary treatment for bacterial infections and are available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, and oral solutions. For localized infections like eye or ear infections, antibacterial or antiviral drops may be prescribed, while topical anti-inflammatory creams can be used for skin infections. 

It is crucial to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed. Stopping medication prematurely can result in the survival of some bacteria, leading to a resurgence of the infection.