Resist Using Antibiotics
Antibiotics are one of the greatest miracles of modern medicine. It is hard to fathom the fact that epidemics and plagues that threatened millions in the past are now easily treatable.
The development of penicillin by Dr. Alexander Fleming in 1928 was rightly hailed as a miracle. However, the overuse of antibiotics now puts us in a precarious position. Many bacteria have developed shields where the antibiotics aimed their weapons. We are seeing an alarming increase in superbugs that resist currently available antibiotics.
Where we once thought we had conquered bacterial disease, we now are succumbing to devastating disease from sinister bacteria with monikers such as MRSA and VRE. As clinicians, we are being encouraged to practice “antibiotic stewardship”, meaning that we should be more thoughtful in our approach to treating infections. Many infections, such as colds, are caused by viruses, and antibiotics do not work for them. Even ear infections and sinus infections that we treated with antibiotics in a knee jerk response are now known to often be caused by viruses.
In addition to leading to superbugs, the overuse of antibiotics impacts our health. Yeast infections and disruption of our healthy gut bacteria, as well as secondary gut infections such as clostridium difficile, result from injudicious use of antibiotics. We are also learning that for many infections, shorter courses may be as good as traditional seven to ten day courses. The only exception is strep throat which still requires a ten day course.
As we head into cold and flu season, consider having a discussion with your health care provider. Is that antibiotic necessary? What symptoms should I watch for that would make me want to reconsider returning to check for a bacterial infection? Can I get by with a shorter course? We can all play a part in lessening the superbug evolution and preserving the miracle that Dr. Fleming envisioned!
Dr. Bhooma Bhayana is a family physician in London and the mother of two young men and proud grandmother of three! She continues to find wonder and enjoyment in family practice despite more than 30 years on the job!
