The ins and outs of bacteria

First, we are unable to live in a sterile bubble that is isolated from the world around us. Bacteria are microscopic organisms that can be found everywhere, including in the air that you breathe. In most cases, bacterial infections play a role in the cough and runny nose that we sometimes succumb to.

Every surface of your body is covered with bacteria. They are on your skin, on your teeth and certainly in your intestines, where they support the digestion of food. As a rule, no bacteria have to be feared. However, when bacterial infections occur, it is either because the number of bacteria in a particular area of the body is in balance, or because bacteria are harmful that have entered your body.

Bacteria generally come in two forms: round cocci and rod-shaped bacilli. Sore throat and some respiratory infections like flu and pneumonia are caused by bacteria. Bacteria can also cause indigestion, which is usually associated with diarrhea, ulcers and ear infections. Quite scary, bacteria can also cause meningitis.

A bacterial infection can cause fever and sometimes pain and swelling in the affected area, for example if a small incision is infected. It is important to see a doctor to distinguish bacterial infections from viral infections and get proper treatment. Antiviral drugs should not be used to treat a bacterial infection, while antibiotics do not affect a viral infection. Antibiotics are very effective when used wisely. A person should always avoid the convenience of over-the-counter antibiotics. If antibiotics are used carelessly, bacteria may develop that are resistant to antibiotics. In this case, it can be difficult to treat the infection effectively.

Not all bacteria are bad or harmful. In many cases, bacteria actually help our body functions. It is important to take adequate health precautions to avoid bacterial contamination and cause disease.

Fish diseases and how to treat them

There are two categories of fish diseases: contagious and non-contagious. A non-contagious disease is usually caused by unbalanced or dirty water or poor feeding conditions. Most of the time, it can be easily reversed by balancing the water or changing the temperature. Infectious diseases are more dangerous for the entire reservoir. It can easily spread to other fish and easily empty the entire aquarium.

Infectious diseases usually never go away on their own and should be treated as soon as possible. It is best to monitor your aquarium daily to monitor the behavior or appearance of the fish. If you see a fish that might behave differently, it is best to isolate the fish if it has an infection and protect the lives of other fish.

Ick or "White Spot", the most common disease seen in fish; it can be very deadly. They appear as small white spots on all fish and resemble salt. Sometimes the fish have cloudy eyes, pinched fins, difficulty breathing, loss of appetite and very lethargic behavior. Some treatments include "aquarium salt", raising the water temperature, and then copper-based medication. Everything you need to find directions based on the number of fish in your aquarium and the type of fish.

Another common disease is the fungus. The fungus appears on fish as gray or white spots that look like cotton. This disease is usually caused by wounds or sores on fish. For adult fish, it is recommended to use a solution of phenoxethol or a commercially available antifungal. A solution of methylene blue is recommended for the treatment and prevention of fungi on eggs and brood. Bacterial infections are difficult to detect.

It can be fatal if not treated as soon as possible. Sometimes these bacterial infections eat the fins and tail. You can also see spots or streaks on the body of the fish. This can also be caused by a chemical change in the water. Therefore, you need to test the chemical balance of your water before buying a medicine. If the chemicals are not out of balance, you can try treating them with a couple of water changes. If you don't see any results, you need to get an antibiotic. Just keep an eye on the fish and general activities and you should be able to figure out which ones need the most attention.