Frequently Asked Questions about Antibiotic Resistance

(Baonghean.vn) - Vietnam has one of the highest rates of antibiotic resistance in the world, emphasized Mr. Nguyen Viet Tien, Deputy Minister of Health, at the 2016 Antibiotic Resistance Prevention and Control Communication Rally in Vietnam held on November 30th in Hanoi.

The causes of antibiotic resistance are believed to be limited awareness among the community and healthcare professionals about antibiotics and antibiotic resistance, and the use of antibiotics even when not prescribed. To help people understand how to use medication to reduce antibiotic resistance, we present some frequently asked questions.

What are antibiotics?

These are natural substances cultured from microorganisms, or chemically synthesized or semi-synthesized. They have the ability to destroy or slow the growth and spread of pathogenic microorganisms. These substances can include antibiotics, sulfamides, antivirals, fungicides, disinfectants, and antiseptics.

What is antibiotic resistance?

Antibiotic resistance occurs when pathogens or bacteria are not killed by antibiotics; they survive and reproduce, giving rise to generations that are not sensitive to one or more antibiotics.

Why can drug resistance occur?

There are many causes, such as the indiscriminate and improper use of antibiotics, disregard for dosage and treatment duration, and failure to complete the prescribed course of medication. Furthermore, the overuse of antibiotics in animal husbandry, agriculture, and fisheries also contributes significantly to the development of antibiotic resistance in humans. Finally, the overuse of disinfectants for cleaning, often without proper guidance, can also contribute to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Doctors, dentists, pharmacists, veterinarians, and patients all share responsibility for antibiotic resistance.

How does drug resistance occur?

Bacteria acquire drug resistance from various sources. This can be from other bacteria that already possess this trait, or through natural mutation. Is this a natural phenomenon aimed at protecting the survival of an organism? Resistance is embedded in the bacteria's genes, or it can also be located in dependent units of the chromosome, called plasmids. These are tiny, mobile DNA loops. When bacteria die, these plasmids are released into the environment, and from there they infect other bacteria. As for viruses, during reproduction (called replication), they need to invade bacteria to extract plasmids and transmit them to other bacteria.

When should antibiotics be used, and when are they unnecessary?

Antibiotics are only effective against certain bacterial infections, and overuse leads to antibiotic resistance. According to Dr. Louise Selby's analysis, here's when antibiotics should really be used and when they are unnecessary:

Sore throat

This is one of the most common reasons most people come in and ask for antibiotics.

No antibiotics needed:

In most cases, sore throats are caused by viruses, not bacteria. Antibiotics work by killing or inactivating bacteria. They are not effective against viruses.

Ideally, you should alleviate discomfort with pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Rest is also necessary to help your immune system fight off the viruses.

Use antibiotics:

A high fever above 38.5 degrees Celsius combined with white spots on the tonsils may be a sign of a bacterial infection. Some common symptoms of bacterial pharyngitis include runny nose, sneezing, swollen and painful lymph nodes in the neck... If symptoms last for more than 24-48 hours, antibiotics such as penicillin may be used.

Sinusitis

No antibiotics needed:

Most sinus infections are caused by viruses, so antibiotics won't work. Steaming your nose over a bowl of boiling water with a towel over your head can help moisten and loosen secretions, making it easier to clear your nasal passages. Pain relievers can also provide temporary relief from nasal congestion.

Use antibiotics:

If symptoms don't improve after a week or sinus infections occur frequently throughout the year, antibiotics may be necessary. About one-third of people with sinusitis will develop a secondary bacterial infection in the sinus lining and require antibiotic treatment.

Eyesore

Inflammation, pain, and infections of the eye can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.

No antibiotics needed:

When the eye infection is mild, the discomfort can be treated with antibacterial medications such as Brolene Eye Drops and GoldenEye, which contain isetionate propamidine. Instead of killing the bacteria, these medications slow their growth, allowing the body to fight the infection.

Use antibiotics:

When the eye is severely painful and shows signs of bacterial conjunctivitis, antibiotic eye drops are necessary.

Chest infection

No antibiotics needed:

Bronchitis is often caused by viruses. Symptoms can be relieved with aspirin, paracetamol, and ibuprofen.

If you have a cough for about two weeks, you may not need antibiotics. If it lasts longer than three weeks, you may have a secondary bacterial infection from a chest infection, so monitor for other symptoms such as high fever and wheezing.

Use antibiotics:

Symptoms such as a high fever (above 38.5 degrees Celsius), shortness of breath, headache, and coughing up phlegm could be signs of pneumonia. Unlike bronchitis, pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, and antibiotics are often necessary. If you cough up blood or have a persistent cough for more than three weeks, you should see a doctor.

Ear infections

No antibiotics needed:

Middle ear infections are often caused by a virus. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help relieve pain or fever.

Use antibiotics:

In adults or children, if symptoms are severe, including a high fever above 38.5 degrees and vomiting, and do not resolve within 2-3 days, or if there is pus draining from the ear, antibiotics should be used.

Urinary tract infection

No antibiotics needed:

Mild symptoms, including a slight burning sensation during urination and frequent urination, can be alleviated by drinking plenty of water and 250-500 ml of cranberry juice daily.

If urinary tract infections recur, it's sometimes simply due to not drinking enough water or using too much soap when washing the genital area.

Use antibiotics:

If you experience lower back pain, it could be a sign that the infection has spread to the kidneys, and antibiotics are necessary. Antibiotics also play a key role in treating cystitis (bladder infections).

To help reduce antibiotic resistance rates, Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Viet Tien urged citizens to only purchase and use antibiotics when prescribed by a doctor after examination, and to use antibiotics strictly according to the doctor's instructions. Healthcare workers should adhere to professional guidelines and use antibiotics rationally and safely in treatment.

Hoa Le

(Synthetic)