2024-03-06 21:00:15
Find out how the overuse of antibiotics has increased the number of drug-resistant germs and what you can do to help stop this health threat.
Antibiotics are important medications. Many antibiotics can successfully treat infections caused by bacteria (bacterial infections). Antibiotics can prevent the spread of disease. And antibiotics can reduce serious complications of diseases.
But some antibiotics that were once typical treatments for bacterial infections no longer work as well. And some medications are not effective at all once morest certain bacteria. When an antibiotic is no longer effective once morest certain strains of bacteria, those bacteria are said to be antibiotic resistant. Antibiotic resistance is one of the world’s most pressing health problems.
Overuse and misuse of antibiotics are key drivers of antibiotic resistance. The general public, doctors and hospitals can all contribute to the correct use of medicines. This can reduce the development of antibiotic resistance.
What are the causes of antibiotic resistance?
Bacteria become resistant to a drug when they change in some way. This modification may protect the bacteria from the effects of the drug or limit the drug’s access to the bacteria. The modification can also cause the bacteria to modify the drug or destroy it. Bacteria that survive antibiotic treatment can multiply and transmit resistance properties. Additionally, some bacteria can transmit their drug-resistant properties to other bacteria. It’s as if they are passing on advice to each other to help each other survive. The fact that bacteria develop resistance to a drug is normal and expected. But how drugs are used affects how quickly and to what extent resistance develops.
Overconsumption of antibiotics
Overuse of antibiotics, particularly taking antibiotics when they are not the correct treatment, promotes antibiotic resistance. About a third of antibiotics used in humans are neither necessary nor appropriate.
Antibiotics treat infections caused by bacteria. But they do not treat infections caused by viruses (viral infections). For example, an antibiotic is the right treatment for strep throat, which is caused by bacteria. But it’s not the right treatment for most sore throats, which are caused by viruses.
Other common viral infections that are not treated with antibiotics include:
– cold or runny nose
– la grippe (flu)
– Bronchitis
– most coughs
– Certain ear infections
– Certain sinus infections
– Stomach flu
– 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
– Whooping cough.
Taking an antibiotic for a viral infection:
– Does not cure the infection
– will not prevent other people from getting sick
– will not help you or your child feel better
– may cause unnecessary and dangerous side effects
– Promotes resistance to antibiotics
If you take an antibiotic while you have a viral infection, the antibiotic attacks the bacteria in your body. These are bacteria that are helpful or do not cause disease. This incorrect treatment can then promote the development of antibiotic resistance properties in harmless bacteria that may be shared with other bacteria. It can also give potentially harmful bacteria the opportunity to replace harmless bacteria.
Take antibiotics responsibly
It’s tempting to stop taking an antibiotic as soon as you feel better. But you need to take the complete treatment to kill the bacteria causing the disease. If you do not take an antibiotic as prescribed, you may need to start treatment once more later. If you stop taking it, it may also cause antibiotic resistance properties to spread among harmful bacteria.
Effects of antibiotic resistance
For many years, the introduction of new antibiotics has outpaced the development of antibiotic resistance. In recent years, however, the pace of drug resistance has led to a growing number of health problems.
Other consequences of drug-resistant infections include:
more serious illnesses
a longer recovery
more frequent or longer hospital stays
more visits to the doctor
more expensive treatments.
Proper management of antibiotics
Correct use of antibiotics can help:
Maintaining the effectiveness of current antibiotics
extend the life of current antibiotics
protect people from antibiotic-resistant infections
avoid the side effects of improper use of antibiotics.
The public also plays a role in antibiotic stewardship. You can help reduce the development of antibiotic resistance if you:
Avoid pressuring your doctor to prescribe an antibiotic.
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Clean cuts or wounds to avoid bacterial infections requiring antibiotic treatment.
Get all recommended vaccinations. Some vaccines protect once morest bacterial infections, such as diphtheria and whooping cough. Also check if you need any vaccinations before your trip.
Reduce the risk of contracting a food-borne bacterial infection. Don’t drink raw milk. Wash your hands before preparing food and before eating. Cook food to a safe internal temperature.
Use antibiotics only as prescribed by your doctor. Take the prescribed daily amount. Complete the entire treatment. Tell your doctor if you have any side effects.
Never take leftover antibiotics for later illness. It may not be the right antibiotic. And they probably don’t include a full treatment.
Source
Lee RA, et al. Appropriate use of short-course antibiotics in common infections: Best practice advice from the American College of Physicians. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2021
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Marie Desange
Marie DESANGE is a journalist specializing in the field of health, known for her commitment to accurate and accessible information in this crucial area.
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