Antibiotics and Resistance

Antibiotics and Anti-virals

Antibiotics were first discovered in the 1940s and have since been ubiquitously used to treat infections and save lives. These type of medicines work primarily by targeting and eradicating bacteria present in the body through infections. However, not all infections are caused by bacteria; there are several types of medical conditions, such as flu, HIV and herpes that are caused by viral infections instead. Medicines, known as anti-virals are necessary to treat such conditions.

Antibiotic resistance

The excessive use of antibiotics has become a prevalent problem leading to the development of antibiotic resistance in patients. This happens when the bacteria that causes the infection undergoes a change-mutation, to become unaffected by the drugs. A couple of reasons may explain for this occurance:

1. The same strain of bacteria is repeatedly exposed to the same antibiotics. They undergo mutation or change to negate the effects of the antibiotics.

2. Remaining bacteria that is still present in the body that has not been fully eradicated by the antibiotic treatment, usually due to noncompliance. They adjust and develop resistance to the antibiotics used.

3. Unnecessary use of antibiotics.

When antibiotics fail to work, ie. to kill the infection causing bacteria, there could arise undesirable consequences for the patient such as prolonged or worsening infection, increased visits to the doctors, expanded medical treatments and the use of stronger and more expensive medicines. There may also be a risk of infecting other people with the harder to treat bacteria.

Knowing when an antibiotic is needed

Depending on the cause of the infection, sometimes an anti-viral may be required instead of an antibiotics. Other times, no treatment is necessary at all. A general guide:

Colds and flu- viruses are responsible for these conditions and antibiotics are not beneficial.

Ear infections- Certain types of antibiotics are used.

Sinus infections- Antibiotics are the common treatment for Sinus infections that are caused by bacteria. However, not all sinus pains are caused by infections.

Sore throat- Mostly caused by viruses. Antibiotics does not work against such viral infections. The exception is Strep throat which is caused by the bacteria, Streptococcus pyogenes, and can be treated simply with a course of antibiotics.

Cough or bronchitis- Almost always caused by viruses. Although chronic cough or lung infection may be due to other causes whereby it is best to seek your doctor's advice.

Guidelines for taking antibiotics

1. Complete the full course prescribed. Non-compliance is a key reason for antibiotics resistance and not finishing the entire course prescribed by your doctor may not fully kill all the bacteria present, leading to prolong illness and resistance.

2. Take the medicine at the right time. Medicines have been researched to find out when they work best and to ensure that there is a sufficient quantity in the system to fight the infection. Taking it at the same time everyday will also aid in remembering the needed dose.

3. Do not share someone else's antibiotics and do not self medicate. Your doctor will prescribe medicines according to your health profile and medical history. Using someone else's drugs may put you at risk for other medical problems.

4. Do not 'save' an unfinished course for another time. Your physician will prescribe a complete course of antibiotics based on the severity of your symptoms and conditions. Just because you may start feeling better soon after taking the antibiotics does not mean that the bacteria is no longer present in your system.

5. Observe for any side effects. All drugs contain side effects and you should monitor for any side effects and inform your doctor immediately. He or she may change or recommend a different medicine.