These microorganisms live within and outside our bodies. However, some microorganisms can cause diseases like strep throat and UTIs.
Antibiotics: What are they and how are they used?
Antibiotics are potent anti-infection medications. Your doctor suspects you or a loved one of having an antibiotic-resistant infection. Antibiotics do not treat all infections. Antibiotics work well against bacteria but not viruses.
What information do I need to be aware of regarding antibiotics?
Did you know:
- Antibiotics are frequently recommended medications. However, up to 50% of all antibiotics recommended are unnecessary or ineffective.
- Antibiotic usage is the main cause of antibiotic resistance.
- Every year, at least 23,000 individuals are killed by antibiotic-resistant illnesses. Every year, almost 250,000 people are hospitalised with Clostridium difficile infections, a difficult infection to treat. Antibiotics were the main cause of the sickness. Many of these infections were avoidable.
Antibiotic abuse or misuse allows microorganisms to evolve. Antibiotics lose their effectiveness when germs become “resistant” to them. Antibiotics ONLY cure bacterial infections like:
- Strep throat
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Whooping cough
Antibiotics ARE NOT ACTIVE AGAINST VIRUSES, FOR EXAMPLE, THOSE CAUSING:
- Colds and runny noses, regardless of how thick, yellow, or green the mucus is
- Flu
- The majority of chest colds (bronchitis)
- The majority of sore throats (except strep throat)
Additionally, antibiotics ARE NOT REQUIRED for several common bacterial illnesses, including the following:
- Certain types of ear infections
- Numerous sinusitis
What are the adverse effects of antibiotics?
- Antibiotic allergic reactions result in over 140,000 ER visits each year. Almost 40% of antibiotic-related ER visits are due to allergic reactions. From moderate rashes and itching to severe blistering skin responses, facial swelling and breathing issues. The greatest strategy to decrease antibiotic side effects is to avoid needless antibiotic use. Describe any previous drug reactions or allergies.
- C. difficile: Each year, C. difficile causes diarrhoea and causes at least 14,000 fatalities in the United States. Antibiotics kill beneficial bacteria that fight infection for months. During this period, C. difficile might spread. Contaminated surfaces or the hospital environment can spread microorganisms. Those who use antibiotics and receive medical care are more at risk. Take antibiotics precisely as directed.
- Antibiotic resistance: Using antibiotics increases the likelihood of bacterial resistance. This infection is exceedingly dangerous and difficult to treat.
What exactly is antimicrobial resistance?
Bacteria become resistant to antibiotics when they no longer kill them. That implies the bacteria survive and multiply. It doesn’t mean we’re immune to antibiotics. Antibiotics are continually evolving to prevent the effects of bacteria and fungi.
Infections that are resistant to antibiotics are difficult, if not impossible, to treat. Antibiotic-resistant infections sometimes necessitate lengthier hospital stays, additional doctor visits, and harmful alternatives.
What role does antibiotic use play in the development of antibiotic resistance?
Antibiotics used in any way can contribute to resistance. Antibiotic resistance increases due to a combination of germs exposed to antibiotics, germ transmission, and resistance mechanisms. When antibiotics are required, the benefits usually outweigh the hazards. However, too many antibiotics are being overused, reducing their effectiveness.
For example, too many antibiotics are prescribed to humans in the US. Antibiotics are recommended for non-bacterial diseases like colds and flu at U.S. doctors’ offices and emergency rooms, according to the CDC. Around 28% of all antibiotics recommended in these situations. Everyone can help reduce antibiotic use. Inappropriate antibiotic use contributes to resistance and guarantees future generations have access to lifesaving medications.
Why should I be concerned with antibiotic resistance?
Antibiotic resistance can strike anyone at any age. People in need of medical attention or with compromised immune systems are frequently infected. Antibiotic resistance jeopardises modern medical advances including joint replacements, organ transplants, and cancer therapies. Patients won’t be able to get these surgeries if appropriate antibiotics aren’t available. Antibiotic resistance affects the veterinary and agriculture industries as well.
How can I safeguard my family and myself from antibiotic resistance?
While no one can totally avoid illness, there are precautions you can take to safeguard yourself and your family.
By taking the following steps, you can safeguard yourself and your family from antibiotic resistance.
- attempting to maintain your own health and the health of others,
- Cover while coughing,
- hand washing,
- remaining at home when ill, and
- Vaccines, such as the flu vaccine, are advised.
Using antibiotics only when necessary is a good method to avoid antibiotic resistance. Consult your doctor for the best treatment options. Never coerce your doctor into prescribing antibiotics that won’t assist you unless you need them, and their side effects can be harmful. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about non-antibiotic remedies. Do not hesitate to ask your doctor questions (Soalan) if you have any doubts at all.