Antibiotic Resistance: Fresh Insights

Each year in the U.S., at least 2.8 million people get an antibiotic-resistant infection. 35,000 of those people die, according to the CDC.

In outpatient settings, about half of all antibiotics are incorrectly prescribed, reported Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“We believe Beaumont has a duty to raise awareness and help change attitudes about antibiotics and behaviors that cause antibiotic resistance,” said Dr. Sam Flanders, senior vice president and chief quality and safety officer of Beaumont Health. “Antibiotics save lives. But when they’re used too much, they can lead to antibiotic resistance.”

Antibiotics - Use and Abuse
Antibiotics are among the most used and abused medications. This article explains some general features about antibiotics.

Overuse of antibiotics is a major cause of the rise of drug-resistant bacteria. Their overuse and misuse can threaten the effectiveness of these important drugs. Decreasing inappropriate antibiotic use is a key strategy to control antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistance in children and older adults is of particular concern because these age groups have the highest rates of antibiotic use.

When antibiotics do not work, infections:

often last longer and cause more severe illness

Interaction of Antibiotics with Dairy Products
Antibiotics like tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones used in the treatment of bacterial infections interact mainly with dairy products and lead to adverse side effects.

require more doctor visits or longer hospital stays

involve more expensive and toxic medications

Quiz on Antibiotics
Your doctor may suggest antibiotics at the first sight of an infection, but how much do you really know about these wonder drugs? Test yourself.

can be deadly

Just say no to antibiotics for colds or flu

Antibiotics in Preterm Infants May Affect Their Healthy Gut Bacteria
Giving antibiotics to preterm infants can have potentially harmful long-term side effects by affecting the development of good bacteria in the gut, thereby, increasing the risk of health problems later in life.

Truth: Antibiotics only treat bacterial infections. They aren’t effective against viral infections, like colds and flu. When your doctor determines a virus is causing your illness, treat your symptoms. Stay home. Rest. Drink fluids.

“As awful as you feel with a cold or flu, do not expect or ask your doctor to prescribe antibiotics,” said Dr. Paul Chittick, a Beaumont infectious disease specialist. “If you take antibiotics for a virus, you would only expose yourself to the medication’s side effects without gaining any health benefit from the drug.” Dr. Chittick continued, “Also, keep in mind that whenever antibiotics enter your body, sensitive bacteria are killed, but resistant ones may be left to grow and multiply.”

Source-Newswise