What are Antibiotics?
Bacteria are vulnerable to antibiotics through various mechanisms. Antibiotics attack the bacterial cell by weakening its cell walls, destroying its genetic information, or blocking the process that allows bacteria to reproduce.
Antibiotics target bacteria by weakening cell walls, damaging DNA, or disrupting essential functions to either kill or stop their growth.
They are divided into two main categories:
-Broad-spectrum antibiotics act against a variety of different types of bacteria.
-Narrow-spectrum antibiotics are designed to treat a
-A specific type of bacteria that causes a specific type of infection.
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Common Illnesses: When Antibiotics Are Needed – And When They Aren’t
Consult your doctor before taking antibiotics to ensure safe and appropriate use.
1. Children’s Sore Throat & Runny Nose
Do not give antibiotics:
Most upper respiratory illnesses (e.g., cold, flu) are caused by viruses. Antibiotics are ineffective in treating these conditions and may have adverse reactions in these patients.
The mild symptoms of this disease are usually able to self-resolve through drinkable liquids, adequate sleep, and over-the-counter medications.
When antibiotics may be needed:
Streptococcus is caused by the streptococcus bacterium and produces fever, a painful throat, and difficulty swallowing. These complaints alone do not qualify for an antibiotic to be given to the patient; the only way to ascertain the diagnosis of Streptococcus bacterium is to perform a
Streptococcus test.
2. Bronchitis
Do not use antibiotics:
Acute bronchitis in nearly all instances is caused by viral agents and/or irritating agents (pollutants). Therefore, the use of antibiotics would confer no benefit to the patient.
When antibiotics may be needed:
Patients with chronic or bacterial forms of bronchitis who have a cough and/or wheezing sound or are experiencing heavy mucus production will require an ongoing medical assessment.
3. Sinus Infections
Do not use antibiotics:
Sinus infections are generally due to a virus or allergies; in most cases, the symptoms will resolve completely in less than one week with no treatment.
When antibiotics may be needed:
Sinus infections caused by bacteria should be treated with antibiotics if the person has had fever, thick yellow/green nasal discharge, and persistent symptoms for over three days in a row.
4. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Do not use antibiotics:
Many older adults will have bacteria in their urine that do not cause any symptoms and do not require treatment unless they develop urinary tract infection symptoms.
When antibiotics may be needed:
If a person has any of the following symptoms, they could potentially have a UTI that requires antibiotic treatment: burning upon urination, pain while urinating, or bloody urine.
If a person experiences recurrent UTIs, is a kidney transplant patient, or undergoes urinary procedures, antibiotics should be utilized promptly.
5. Ear Infections in Children
Do not use antibiotics:
If a child is over the age of 2 years old, his/her ear infection has a good chance of getting better without antibiotics within 2 to 3 days.
When antibiotics may be needed:
Children under the age of 6 months with ear drainage, persistent pain, or severe signs of illness should be treated with antibiotics.
6. Eye Infections (Pink Eye/Conjunctivitis)
Do not use antibiotics:
Most cases of eye infection (pink eye/conjunctivitis) are either viral or caused by an allergy and do resolve on their own.
When antibiotics may be needed:
Severe swelling, pain, or significant amounts of discharge from the eye may indicate bacterial involvement and, therefore, warrant antimicrobial therapy.
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The Bottom Line on When to Seek Antibiotics
Antibiotics are to be used in the treatment of bacterial infections and should only be used if your doctor has indicated that you do have a bacterial infection or if he/she suspect that you do. Your doctor may take a throat swab test, urinalysis, culture, or blood test to help determine which antibiotic is most appropriate for your diagnosis.
Using antibiotics for colds and fevers causes more harm than benefit.
The Rising Threat: Antibiotic Resistance (AMR)
When bacteria evolve by adapting to antibiotic use, it is referred to as antibiotic resistance. The greater the number of antibiotics used for inappropriate reasons, the greater the rate of development of organisms resistant to those drugs. This results in “superbugs” that cannot be killed by even the strongest antibiotics.
It is estimated by global organizations that by 2050, almost 10 million people will die from AMR-related illnesses in Asia.
Infections such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, gonorrhea, and invasive urinary tract infections that were once straightforward to cure and relatively inexpensive to treat are now becoming more complex and costly.
Why is there such a rising rate of AMR?
Self-medication and Over-the-Counter use (OTC)
-Not completing antibiotic courses.
-Using leftover antibiotics.
-Sharing medications.
-Using antibiotics to treat viral infections.
-Missing doses.
-Prescribing the wrong antibiotic or the incorrect dosage.
Every way of misusing antibiotics is a contributing factor to the ongoing resistance of bacterial life to antibiotics and other antimicrobial drugs.
Self-Medication Can Be Hazardous
Online diagnoses have caused risky self-medication with antibiotics without professional checks. Reasons this is dangerous:
-Antibiotic use can be unnecessary.
-An improper choice of antibiotics may be made for a specific infection.
-Symptoms may hide the seriousness behind an illness.
-Drug interactions and allergies are possible.
-Each improper dose increases the likelihood of developing resistance to antibiotics.
A physician is the only professional who can determine the nature of your illness and prescribe the correct antibiotic and dosage.
Why Doctors Insist on Confirmed Infections Before Prescribing Antibiotics
-Quick treatment is necessary when a bacterial infection is confirmed.
Prompt treatment after a diagnosis of a bacterial infection should be implemented; otherwise, the infection may worsen or spread, causing complications.
-Antibiotic choice should be specific based on the pathogen’s identification.
Doctors will know which antibiotic is going to work best, thus decreasing unpredictability and resistance.
-Avoid treating with incorrect antibiotics.
Incorrect antibiotics won’t help with the infection and may instead produce side effects such as allergies, diarrhea, or fungal infections.
-Avoid growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Being cautious about the number of antibiotics prescribed protects individuals and others in their community. Completing the full course of antibiotics reduces the chances of bacteria surviving and increasing antibiotic resistance.
How Can You Help Stop Antibiotic Resistance?
-You should never take antibiotics unless they were prescribed to you.
-Do not miss doses of antibiotics.
-You must finish the entire prescription of antibiotics, even if you feel better after a few days.
-Antibiotics should not be shared with other people.
-Antibiotics should not be requested from your doctor “just in case.”
-Unopened and expired medications should not be kept.
-Wash your hands frequently and practice good hygiene.
-Keep vaccinations updated.
-Handle food safely to reduce your chances of getting an infection.
Tips to Follow When You’re Prescribed Antibiotics
If your doctor prescribes antibiotics, follow these essential guidelines:
-Probiotics or curd should be taken with meals.
-Antibiotics should be taken at the same time each day.
-Make sure to drink plenty of water.
-Eat light and easy-to-digest foods while taking an antibiotic.
-Avoid spicy and greasy foods.
-Your doctor needs to be aware of any other medications you take.
-Discard any remaining antibiotics after completing your full course.
Your input is valuable. Kindly participate in this brief 2-minute survey to support better understanding of antibiotic use.
Final Takeaway: Our Future Is in Danger Unless We Act Now
Antibiotics can save your life, but they are losing their effectiveness due to misuse and abuse. We all have a responsibility to preserve and protect antibiotics for the next generation. When antibiotics are responsibly used today, they will continue to help save lives for generations to come.
Do not treat yourself with antibiotics unless you are advised to do so by a physician. You should never use an antibiotic for a viral infection. Always seek medical advice from a qualified physician when you have an illness.
Antibiotics can help save lives, provided they are used safely
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(The article is written by Deepa Sarkar, Medical Writer, and reviewed by Monalisa Deka, Deputy Manager, Clinical Health & Content, Medical Affairs)