Antibiotic Overuse In Children: What Parents Need To Keep In Mind

Antibiotics are a popular range of medications that are used to treat bacterial infections. They work by disrupting the bacteria's ability to multiply and survive. One of the important things to note about antibiotics is that they are not effective against viral infections, which include the common cold, flu, or even COVID-19.

In children, antibiotics help treat bacterial infections, such as strep throat or bacterial ear infections. It's crucial that parents administer antibiotics exactly as prescribed by the paediatrician, completing the full course even if symptoms improve.

On the occasion of World Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2023, we spoke to Dr Tushar Tayal, Consultant-Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, to understand the harmful effects of antibiotic overuse and how it can affect children.

Also Read: Viral Versus Bacterial Infection: Why You Need To Know The Difference

What Is Antibiotic Overuse?

Dr Tayal said, “Antibiotic overuse means the usage of antibiotics in illnesses where they are not required or the usage of high-end antibiotics in outpatient or inpatient department (OPD or IPD) settings where a low-end antibiotic is recommended.”

He added, “It also includes prolonged usage of high-end antibiotics in hospital settings without deescalation.”

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 28% of antibiotics prescribed in an outpatient setting are unnecessary, meaning that no antibiotic was needed at all.

Antibiotic Resistance And Other Harmful Effects Of Antibiotic Overuse In Children

In a 2015 study published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, researchers established that around one in every four (28%) parents correctly identified the use of antibiotics against bacterial infections, whereas only 15.5% of parents knew the meaning of the term antibiotic resistance.

Unfortunately, there is a lack of awareness associated with antibiotic use. Many fail to understand that antibiotics do not work on viruses.

The Mayo Clinic explains, "If you take an antibiotic when you have a viral infection, the antibiotic attacks bacteria in your body. These are bacteria that are helpful or are not causing disease. This incorrect treatment can then promote antibiotic-resistant properties in harmless bacteria that can be shared with other bacteria. Or it can create an opportunity for potentially harmful bacteria to replace the harmless ones."

In such cases, high-end antibiotics are required to treat simpler bacterial infections because low-end antibiotics stop working because bacteria have become resistant to them, said Dr Tayal.

As per a study published in the European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, if the current trend of inappropriate and excessive use of antibiotics continues, antibiotic resistance could cause one crore deaths worldwide by the year 2050.

In addition, Dr Tayal listed a few other side effects that could occur with antibiotic overuse:

• Alteration of gut bacteria, which can affect overall immunity and health
• Increased risk of C. difficile infection, which can cause hospitalisation and even death
• Increased risk of photosensitivity
• Elimination of good bacteria in the body, which protect against fungal infection
• Increased risk of kidney damage
• Severe allergic reactions, known as anaphylaxis, in rare cases
• Reactions with pre-existing medications

What Parents Need To Know

According to Dr Tayal, antibiotics should only be given under the guidance of a doctor.

It should only be taken once a bacterial cause of infection has been established after thorough clinical examination and necessary testing,” he advised.

In addition, when it comes to administering antibiotics to children, they should be given for the prescribed duration and should not be stopped as per your convenience.