The discovery of antibiotics has saved millions of lives, however, its abuse has caused a serious health crisis in the world. Among the least considered practices that cause such a situation is the use of old antibiotics used in previous illnesses without the advice of a doctor. Although most people may believe that there is nothing harmful about taking leftover pills, in fact, it is even more dangerous. Indeed, these practices speed up the emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria, which risk making it impossible to cure common infections.
This article discusses the mechanism of antibiotic resistance, the evil nature of self-medication and what each of us can contribute to the efficacy of these life-saving medicines.
Antibiotic Resistance: The Science Behind it
To discover the reasons behind the fact that antibiotic misuse can be harmful, it is prudent to familiarize oneself with the mechanism of resistance development. Antibiotics are specifically to be used in order to kill or inhibit bacteria, however, to work properly, they should be used properly, their doses should be adequate and the entire course should be taken.
In case of improper use of antibiotics, e.g. when individuals abort treatment prematurely or use a medication incompatible with their infection, some bacteria remain. The surviving bacteria evolve and find ways of resisting the effects of the antibiotic. With time, they become multiplied and diffuse to the extent of forming superbugs that cease responding to conventional treatments.
What is especially concerning about resistance is that it is not a problem of single persons, it is a community issue. The resistance causes bacteria to transmit between individuals and therefore the treatment of previously treatable diseases that are now difficult, expensive, and incurable.
The Self-Medication and Superbugs
One of the top causes of resistance globally is self-medication on antibiotics. Consumers store unused pills at home (in case) they become sick again. Others can also distribute antibiotics to family members or friends. Sadly enough, these practices can frequently result in the wrong antibiotic, the wrong dose or course duration.
Another typical situation is when a person takes leftovers of antibiotics to treat such symptoms as a sore throat or cough. The problem? Most of these diseases are not caused by bacteria, but by viruses and antibiotics do not have any impact on viral diseases. It is also so unnecessary to take them when it will not help in the cure of the illness and it is also exposing healthy bacteria in the body to drugs and therefore gives them a chance to adapt to develop resistance.
Get to understand the risks of reusing old antibiotics and why it is unadvisable.
Part Played by Incomplete Courses of Antibiotics
Part of the most harmful effects of self-medication is not being completely treated. Physicians prescribe antibiotics to be used over a certain number of days since it also requires a regular exposure before it can completely eliminate the harmful bacteria. Early withdrawal–though you may feel better–leaves behind bacteria that are harder and more resistant.
The pills left behind by persons that they tend to save to use in the future are normally linked to premature withdrawal of a prescription. Unluckily, such incomplete courses provide a habitat to more robust bacteria. Reused, they provide poor quality treatment and more breeding ground to resistant infections.
International Effect of Antibiotic Resistance
The World Health Organization (WHO) has made it clear that antibiotic resistance is among the biggest threats to global health, food security and development. The statistics are sobering:
- Directly related to antibiotic-resistant infection are more than 1.2 million deaths each year.
- By 2050, 10 million deaths per year will be due to resistance, and it will be the leading cause of death, compared to cancer.
- Such normal medical practices as surgeries, chemotherapy or even childbirth would be much more dangerous without effective antibiotics.
Self-medication and re-use of old medications are a significant contributor to this crisis that is happening rapidly in the global population. What appears as an individual choice is disastrous in terms of the health of people.
Why It is Dangerous to Reuse Old Antibiotics
Other than causing resistance, there are direct risks associated with using old antibiotics:
Inappropriate Treatment of the Disease
Each antibiotic does not treat all bacteria. Taking the incorrect medication to treat an infection not only does not cure an infection but can aggravate it.
Incorrect Dosage
Remedial antibiotics seldom give the appropriate dosage to be treated. Underdose makes an intervention weak, whereas overdose will lead to negative side effects.
Side Effects and Allergic Reactions
The side effects of antibiotics include stomach upsets to serious allergic reactions. Patients can be unaware of exposing themselves to risks that are not necessary without the advice of a doctor.
Covering Up Conditions
The self-medication approach can help to alleviate symptoms in the short term, but postpones the diagnosis of serious illnesses, enabling the uncontrolled progression of infections.
A Shared Responsibility
The issue of antibiotic resistance is not only the doctors and the scientists who need to work on it but also everyone. The following are some of the practical means through which people can contribute to the fight against this world wide crisis:
Take Antibiotics Only on Prescription
Abuse of antibiotics without the advice of a physician should not be taken. Antibiotics are not necessary with such viral infections as cold or flu.
Complete the Full Course
Though the symptoms may improve, completing the prescription will be sure that all the damaging bacteria are eradicated.
Do not Share or Reuse Antibiotics
Every prescription is designed to suit the disease and physique of a person. Preservation or reuse of the old antibiotics exposes both individuals to danger.
Disposing of Pills Safely
Unused antibiotics are to be sent back to the pharmacies or they are to be disposed of as per the local regulations. Having them stay at home leads to a greater temptation to self-medicate.
Practice Preventive Health
The first line of defence is good hygiene, vaccination, and safe food handling of which antibiotics are unnecessary.
The Healthcare Systems and Policy
Although people can also make a significant contribution, the campaign against antibiotic resistance also needs systemic answers. The aim of governments and health organizations all over the world is to:
- Enforce laws on the sale of antibiotics to stop the use of antibiotics over the counter.
- Make people aware of risks of self medicating and under medication.
- Encourage the development of new antibiotics and alternative medicine.
- Enhance International surveillance of resistance patterns to inform the medical practice.
Conclusion
Antibiotics form one of the keystones of contemporary medicine, yet its capacity to perform its role is increasingly losing its grip through misuse and overuse. Self-medication–specifically the use of old antibiotics–is a risky behavior that empowers dangerous microorganisms, contributes to international resistance, and endangers millions of lives.
It is not just the task of the healthcare providers but is the duty of every one of us as patients. We can delay the development of resistance and help conserve the efficacy of antibiotics in future generations by adhering to prescriptions, taking care not to leave any pills over, and publicizing the issue.
The campaign against antibiotic resistance will start at home, and with simple decisions, the future of global health will be determined.
