Our dependence on antibiotics to fight dangerous infections is at risk due to the reduced effectiveness of these drugs. Several factors contribute to this worrisome situation, and a troubling habit of medical doctors is accelerating the decline in the power of these medications. Understanding the causes and finding solutions can help preserve the efficiency of these essential drugs.
Antibiotics and Bacterial Infections
Antibiotics are specifically designed to combat bacterial infections. However, many family doctors have an unfortunate tradition of prescribing antibiotics for respiratory infections, even though these illnesses are viral and unresponsive to antibiotics. When you have a cold caused by a virus, antibiotics offer no benefit. In fact, unnecessary antibiotic use can contribute to bacteria developing resistance to these pharmaceuticals, leading to a significant public health concern.
The Demise of Antibiotics
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that antibiotic-resistant bacteria can lead to longer-lasting illnesses, more frequent hospital visits, and a higher risk of complications or death. According to the CDC, more than 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections occur in the United States each year, resulting in over 35,000 deaths.
The declining effectiveness of antibiotics impacts more than just the individuals who overuse them. When bacteria develop resistance, it becomes more difficult to treat infections and contain their spread to other people. The reduced efficacy may also result in the use of stronger antibiotics, which can have more substantial side effects and a higher risk of complications.
Doctors’ Influence on Antibiotic Overuse
A study conducted at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) in Boston demonstrates that doctors are not only continuing to prescribe antibiotics needlessly but are doing so increasingly towards the end of their workday. According to researcher Jeffrey A. Linder, who led the study, doctors are more likely to prescribe antibiotics later in their clinic sessions, regardless of patients, diagnosis, or even the individual doctor. As the day wears on, the research shows that doctors’ antibiotic prescriptions significantly increase.
This corresponds to approximately 5% more patients receiving antibiotics at the end of a clinic session compared to the beginning. Potential remedies for this issue could include different doctor schedules, shorter sessions, more breaks, or even the introduction of snacks to maintain energy levels.
The Importance of Antimicrobial Stewardship
To counter the problem of antibiotic resistance, the concept of antimicrobial stewardship has emerged. According to the CDC, antimicrobial stewardship refers to the coordinated actions taken by healthcare facilities and providers to improve antibiotic prescribing practices. These actions aim to reduce the overuse or misuse of antibiotics to optimize patient outcomes and minimize the adverse effects associated with antibiotic use, such as the development of resistance.
Healthcare providers can engage in antimicrobial stewardship by following clinical guidelines for antibiotic use, providing patient education on appropriate antibiotic use, and tracking antibiotic prescriptions. Patients can also play a role in preventing antibiotic resistance. One critical action is to avoid pressuring doctors to prescribe antibiotics for viral illnesses, such as colds or the flu.
Furthermore, talking with your healthcare provider about potential side effects, risks, and drug interactions when prescribed an antibiotic can help you make informed decisions and advocate for your health. Always follow the prescribed course of antibiotics, even if you feel better before completing the medication, to ensure that the infection is completely treated and prevent the bacteria from developing resistance.
Protecting Our Lifesaving Drugs
Understanding the factors contributing to antibiotic resistance and working to address them is crucial to preserving the power of these life-saving drugs. Implementing antimicrobial stewardship principles, reconsidering prescription habits, and fostering patient education and awareness about appropriate antibiotic use can help protect these essential medications for future generations.
