Down with a cold? You’ll probably rest at home or resort to Over-The-Counter (OTC) medications. A run to the chemist shop and they’re likely to overwhelm you with colourful medications, one of which could be antibiotics. But is it safe to pop pills without prescription? Are antibiotics the right medicine for your illness? What if it backfires? Speaking with Only My Health, Dr Paritosh Baghel, Senior Consultant-Internal Medicine, SL Raheja Hospital, Mahim - A Fortis Associate, discusses the actual role of antibiotics, how overuse or misuse of the medication can be harmful and when it shouldn’t be taken.
Also Read: Are You Taking Statins For Cholesterol Management? Here Are Mistakes You Should Avoid
The Role Of Antibiotics
“Antibiotics are the class of drugs which kill microorganisms, especially bacteria,” said Dr Baghel, adding, “When somebody gets a bacterial infection, antibiotics are advised by doctors depending on the clinical condition, seriousness of the infection, and the organism suspected of causing the said infection.”
However, according to the doctor, antibiotics are one of the most commonly abused drugs today. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), antimicrobial resistance is an urgent global public health threat, leading to at least 10.2 lakh deaths worldwide. In 2019, nearly 50 lakh deaths were reported, as per a Lancet study.
Understanding Antibiotic Misuse And Resistance
Antibiotic misuse, also sometimes called antibiotic overuse, refers to the excessive use of antibiotics, which can lead to antibiotic resistance, causing poor infection prevention and control.
Dr Baghel said, “Antibiotics should always be taken after consultation with a qualified doctor. Unwarranted use of antibiotics can lead to serious effects, such as development of antibiotic resistance. Explaining further, the doctor said, “Antibiotic resistance is the inability of the antibiotic to kill the pathogenic microorganism due to development of resistance by the microorganism. Due to the rampant use of antibiotics, bacteria develop mechanisms to bypass the modes of killing by these antibiotics. Infections by these resistant bacteria are difficult to treat and carry a high risk of death. It is a major concern as some of the bacteria have become resistant to almost all classes of antibiotics, making treatment of patients with such infections challenging, costly, and with poor outcomes.”
In respect to antibiotic resistance, the World Health Organization notes, "The world urgently needs to change the way it prescribes and uses antibiotics. Even if new medicines are developed, without behaviour change, antibiotic resistance will remain a major threat. Behaviour changes must also include actions to reduce the spread of infections through vaccination, hand washing, practising safer sex, and good food hygiene."
Also Read: PSA Test For Prostate Cancer Diagnosis: Things Men Need To Know About It
When NOT To Use Antibiotics
According to Dr Baghel, antibiotics are generally to be used for bacterial infections and strictly on advice of a doctor. “Self-medications and OTC use of antibiotics should be avoided,” the doctor added.
To prevent and control the spread of antibiotic resistance, the WHO suggests only using antibiotics when prescribed by a certified health professional. One must never demand antibiotics if the healthcare professional does not advise using them. In addition, do not share or use leftover antibiotics.
The key is to prevent infections by regularly washing hands, preparing food hygienically, avoiding close contact with sick people, practising safer sex, and keeping vaccinations up to date, recommends the WHO.
Conclusion
Antibiotics are a useful drug but only when prescribed by a medical professional. They’re generally prescribed for bacterial infections and should not be used for other illnesses. Avoid self-medication and consult your doctor for any flu or cold symptoms, before popping a pill.