The "golden rule" when using antibiotics

Antibiotic resistance is now considered one of the biggest threats to human health. The following analysis will help you understand the harm it causes and think more carefully before using antibiotics.

A course of antibiotics can also lead to antibiotic resistance.

Many people have a habit of using antibiotics whenever they have a cough, cold, or runny nose to get better quickly. But perhaps they don't realize that each time they use a particular antibiotic, the risk of resistance increases, meaning the drug will be ineffective for subsequent treatments. Given the increasingly alarming state of antibiotic resistance, we are facing the risk of returning to a time when even a minor infection could be fatal. Furthermore, recent research indicates that not just frequent use, but even a single course of antibiotics contributes to resistance.

British scientists tracked a group of children who were given a course of antibiotics to treat common infections such as middle ear infections and respiratory infections. Initially, one-third of the children were found to have bacteria with antibiotic resistance genes, but two weeks later, that number doubled. In another study in Australia, children who took antibiotics two months before testing had twice the normal amount of penicillin-resistant respiratory bacteria. This means that if the child developed another infection within those two months, taking penicillin antibiotics would be ineffective.

Like all living organisms, bacteria can mutate their genes to survive and adapt to changing environments, which is the fundamental cause of antibiotic resistance. The consequences of antibiotic resistance, as we can imagine, include infections that tend to last longer, are more prone to complications, and are more likely to spread to others.

AustraliaIt is one of the countries with the highest rates of antibiotic prescriptions among developed nations, with approximately 22 million prescriptions per year, but it is estimated that nearly half of these are unnecessary. Not only that...AustraliaMany other countries have also recognized the problem of antibiotic abuse, and the more antibiotics are abused, the greater the risk of developing "superbugs" that are difficult to treat. Therefore, the use of antibiotics must adhere to certain principles.

Basic principles for avoiding drug resistance

Antibiotics do not kill viruses. Most colds and flu are caused by viruses, so antibiotic treatment is ineffective because antibiotics only kill bacteria. Therefore, taking antibiotics for viral infections is useless and increases the risk of antibiotic resistance.

Weigh the benefits and risks. Antibiotics are necessary to treat serious or life-threatening infections. However, for common infections, such as middle ear infections, antibiotic use should be carefully considered. Follow medical guidelines for treatment.AustraliaIt is indicated that middle ear infections can be caused by bacteria or viruses. The condition is self-limiting, so about 60% of children with it usually recover within 24 hours without antibiotic treatment. However, if the child has a fever, nausea, or signs of a secondary infection, antibiotics may be necessary.

Thorough consultation is essential. If your doctor prescribes antibiotics, as a patient, you should be given a detailed explanation of why you need that particular antibiotic, its side effects, and what other treatments can be used to speed up your recovery.

Follow the instructions carefully. For the medication to be most effective and to avoid resistance, it is crucial to adhere strictly to the prescribed dosage, duration, and method of use.

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