A 2015 World Health Organization (WHO) survey, conducted in 12 countries, found that 75% of respondents in India believed antibiotics could treat colds and flu, whereas 55% incorrectly thought that they should stop taking antibiotics when they feel better rather than taking the full course. Sadly, only 22% knew what antibiotic resistance is.
It is crucial to understand that antibiotics help treat bacterial infections and have nothing to do with viral or fungal infections. It is also important to note that if prescribed antibiotics, the individual must complete the full course or risk antibiotic resistance, which occurs when bacteria evolve and can resist antibiotics that are used to treat them.
But like any other medication, prolonged use of antibiotics can lead to certain side effects. Some may even be at risk of developing fungal infections. Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr S M Fayaz, Consultant - Internal Medicine, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru, discusses the link and shares ways to reduce risk.
Also Read: Is It Possible To Treat UTIs Without Antibiotics?
When Do People Require Strong Antibiotics?
Dr Fayaz says, "Doctors often prescribe strong antibiotics to treat bacterial infections, particularly those affecting the lungs, such as lung abscesses or pneumonia, and conditions like bronchiectasis."
He adds, "Other infections that may require strong antibiotics include kidney infections, such as perinephric abscesses, liver abscesses, bone infections, typhoid fever, gut infections, and other bacterial infections."
Additionally, these medications are also commonly used after major surgeries to prevent infections.
Why Prolonged Antibiotic Use Increases Risk Of Fungal Infections
According to a 2022 study published in Cell Host & Microbe, long-term antibiotic use increased the risk of fungal infections. Researchers noted that antibiotics weakened the immune system's ability to fight off both fungi and bacteria, leading to more severe infections.
This is because antibiotics can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the gut, which can negatively impact the immune response and consequently, cause an overgrowth of fungi, explains Dr Fayaz.
As per the doctor, candida is a common fungus responsible for many fungal infections in humans. He says, “It is usually a yeast that causes conditions like thrush, but it can also lead to more severe bloodstream infections, known as invasive candidiasis. The risk of invasive candidiasis increases with disruptions in the gut flora due to prolonged antibiotic use, chemotherapy, or surgeries. This infection is especially common in patients who have undergone major surgeries or those with prolonged catheter use.”
Also Read: Antibiotic Resistance: Reason, Effect, How To Tackle
Who Is More At Risk?
Dr Fayaz highlights that patients with weakened immune systems, such as those with diabetes, cancer, or those undergoing long-term cancer treatment, are at a higher risk of developing fungal infections when using antibiotics.
He adds, “For patients on antibiotic therapy, signs of a potential fungal infection include worsening symptoms, persistent high-grade fever, involvement of multiple organs, and overall deterioration in health. In such cases, it is crucial to investigate the possibility of a superimposed fungal or opportunistic infection.”
Conclusion
Antibiotics are one of mankind's greatest discoveries. In fact, reports suggest that the introduction of antibiotics helped tremendously in reducing the number of deaths from infection thereafter. However, antibiotic use should be done with careful considerations and under doctor supervision, or one might risk antibiotic resistance. But with prolonged use of antibiotics, people also risk developing fungal infections. It is best to keep in touch with your healthcare professional to understand dosage, duration, and ways to reduce the risk of side effects.