Health by dratiffarid

While antibiotics save our lives, overuse of antibiotics in the past has resulted in some bacteria that are now resistant to almost every form of antibiotics available.

The bacteria responsible for tuberculosis is resistant to rifampicin which was the drug of choice few years back. Treatment of acne with tetracyclines has failed since past few years. This is because the bacteria are resistant to certain antibiotics.

It was a routine practice to hand over antibiotics to treat ear infections or flu symptoms some years back. But now, it’s better to adopt a wait and watch policy. Doctors usually don’t prescribe antibiotics initially and focus more on improving the immunity and nutrition of the individual. Antibiotics are prescribed only if the symptoms don’t subside.

This approach annoys some patients because they have to go back to the doctor if the symptoms don’t improve. But remember, we have already created strains of bacteria resistant to antibiotics that are proving a big challenge to fight. A little inconvenience now might save us in the future.

Here’s what you can do:

1) Avoid taking antibiotics on your own. The continued use of antibiotics has allowed bacteria to change, adapt and become harder to destroy. Some infections may be viral, antibiotics wont help in such situations.

2) Doctors usually prescribe broad-spectrum antibiotics (which help against a variety of bacteria and are not specific). They ask you to come back if your symptoms don’t subside. Follow the instructions and never switch to another antibiotic without prescription.

3) Always take the full course of the antibiotic. Usually antibiotics should be taken for 5-7 days but always follow the instructions given by your doctor. Even if you get better before the completion of your course, you must continue the treatment. If antibiotic treatment is stopped before the prescribed date, the most resistant bacteria might survive and spread.

4) Don’t save any antibiotics for the next time you get sick. Discard any left over medication once you have completed your prescribed course of treatment.

5) Do not take antibiotics prescribed for someone else. The antibiotic may not be appropriate for your illness.

6) If your doctor tells you that you don’t need an antibiotic, don’t demand for one.