Antibiotics serve an important purpose and can save your life, but they are not a cure-all for every illness. That’s why sometimes when you go to your doctor for an illness, they don’t prescribe antibiotics. As your own health care advocate, you should understand the science behind why doctors control antibiotic usage.
Understanding Antibiotics
Antibiotics kill germs called bacteria and stop them from growing. Different antibiotics are used to treat different types of bacterial infections, but not all bacterial infections. Antibiotics do not kill or treat viruses, which are a different type of germ.
Antibiotic Resistance
Antibiotic resistance is when certain bacteria do not react as well or at all to antibiotics. In other words, the antibiotics have lost their effectiveness in treating certain bacterial infections. This resistance is a serious health problem throughout the world.
Causes of Antibiotic Resistance
Overuse of antibiotics or the incorrect usage of antibiotics leads to antibiotic resistance. Certain bacteria can change, which can protect the bacteria from the antibiotic. Conversely, the bacteria can alter the antibiotic, rendering it ineffective.
When bacteria survive treatment in this way, they can not only multiply, but they can spread this antibiotic resistance to other types of bacteria in your body.
When antibiotics are used for an infection that is not bacterial, such as a viral infection, the antibiotic will try to attack the good bacteria in your body. This good bacteria can develop antibiotic resistance, which it can pass on to bad bacteria.
Additionally, if antibiotics are prescribed, but you stop taking them too soon, some bacteria may survive and start to change, becoming resistant to antibiotics. Your infection will need to be treated again, which may be difficult because of the antibiotic resistance. This can also happen if you take the incorrect antibiotic for your infection.
Also it’s very important to understand that you can pass antibiotic resistant bacteria to other people, which is a major reason why antibiotic resistance is rising.
How Antibiotics Are Overused
Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed inappropriately for illnesses that they can’t treat. In fact, about a third of all antibiotic usage is not necessary.
Antibiotics do not treat viral infections, nor do they treat all bacterial infections. Examples of illnesses that are not treatable by antibiotics include:
- Colds
- The flu
- Most types of coughs and sore throats
- Bronchitis
- The stomach flu
- COVID-19
- Some sinus infections
- Some ear infections
Consequences of Antibiotic Resistance
Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem, and the development of new antibiotics cannot keep up with that growth. Nearly 3 million infections in the United States are caused annually by antibiotic resistant bacteria, causing around 35,000 deaths each year.
These infections can lead to more serious illnesses, longer recovery time, hospitalization, and more expensive treatments.
Superbugs
Superbugs are bacteria that have become resistant to multiple types of antibiotics, making them difficult or impossible to treat. This is a growing public health concern. Examples of superbugs include Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), and Multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Groups with Higher Risk of Antibiotic Resistant Infections
Certain groups are more vulnerable to antibiotic resistant infections. These groups include:
- Babies, particularly premature babies
- People over age 65
- People living in a crowded environment, such as homeless people who live in camps
- People with immune system conditions
- People taking antibiotics long term
Antibiotic Stewardship
Antibiotic stewardship means promoting the correct usage of antibiotics to reduce antibiotic resistance. Some, but not all, health care groups and hospitals have implemented new guidelines for prescribing antibiotics as a part of this stewardship movement. However, you can play a role as well.
You can:
- Not pressure your health care provider to prescribe antibiotics when you have a cold or the flu. Some people are used to getting antibiotics for these types of illnesses, not knowing that they are ineffective and even harmful. Ask your doctor instead if there are alternative treatments for your symptoms.
- Avoid getting bacterial infections by washing your hands frequently, cleaning minor cuts appropriately, and cooking safely. The less you have a need for antibiotics, the better.
- Get vaccinated! Vaccines can prevent several bacterial illnesses, such as diphtheria and pertussis. Talk to your health care provider about these types of vaccines for both you and your children.
- Use antibiotics exactly as prescribed, and take the entire prescribed course. Do not save any for later use. You may end up using an inappropriate antibiotic for a different condition.
- Don’t take antibiotics that were prescribed to someone else. It might not be the right antibiotic for what you’re trying to treat.
In Closing
Doctors control antibiotic usage because antibiotics cannot treat all infections, and overuse can lead to antibiotic resistance. This is a growing health crisis, and we all need to do our part to stop antibiotic overuse and misuse. If you are experiencing an illness and are unsure if it can be treated with antibiotics, Health Service Alliance is here to help. We are dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized, and accessible care regardless of your ability to pay. Reach out today to learn more.
