Antibiotic Resistance: Why Misuse Is Dangerous

Dr.Navneet Gill, 2 mins read

We usually pop a pill when we have a fever, or have a cold, or maybe even a headache. But is doing so right? Yes, at that time, when we are not feeling well, our main concern is to stop suffering from the ailment and get respite from it as quickly as we can. And that is precisely why we resort to taking antibiotics.

Antibiotics are important, and they successfully treat many infections caused by various bacteria. They reduce serious complications and prevent the diseases from spreading. There are particular strains of bacteria for which the antibiotic usage no longer gives results. When antibiotics no longer work against a particular strain of bacteria, then the particular strain of bacteria is said to be antibiotic-resistant. Antibiotic resistance is one of the most pressing problems plaguing the healthcare sector. At Aakash Healthcare Super Speciality Hospital, we follow the strict protocols regarding the usage of antibiotics.

The main concern of clinicians across the globe is the rising instances of overuse and misuse of taking antibiotics. According to the latest estimates, 30-40% of antibiotics are self-used, and due to self-medication, there is an increase in antibiotic resistance in the body. We either consume antibiotics in the wrong dose or at the wrong time, or even if they are administered to the wrong person. The main reason behind antibiotic resistance is that the bacteria evolve to survive drugs designed to kill them.

Here are the key reasons behind the overuse of antibiotics, followed by prevention strategies.

7 Reasons for Antibiotic Resistance

1. Overuse in humans: Excessive prescriptions for viral infections like colds push bacteria to adapt.
2. Incomplete treatment courses: Stopping antibiotics early allows surviving resistant bacteria to multiply.
3. Agricultural misuse: Routine use in livestock like chicken, eggs, etc., for growth promotion selects resistant strains that spread to humans via food.
4. Poor infection control: Inadequate hygiene in hospitals and communities lets resistant germs spread easily.
5. Over-the-counter access: Easy availability without prescriptions encourages self-medication worldwide.
6. Global travel: Resistant bacteria hitch rides across borders, accelerating outbreaks.
7. Lack of new antibiotics: Slow drug development fails to keep pace with evolving resistance.

Prevention Strategies

• Prevent resistance through stewardship.
• Improve hand hygiene and sanitation to cut infection rates by up to 60%.
• Vaccinate widely and practice safe food handling to block germ spread.
• Prescribers should follow guidelines, test for bacterial infections before antibiotics, and complete full courses only as directed.
• Reduce farm antibiotic use with better animal hygiene and alternatives like probiotics.
  Public education campaigns can curb misuse, while surveillance tracks resistance
• early.
• Global efforts, including infection control committees, ensure rational use and supply chain quality.

These steps can slow down the crisis. For any queries, you may contact the healthcare practitioners at Aakash Healthcare, who will guide you regarding the right dosage and prescription practices to follow regarding antibiotics.