Antibiotics are medications designed to combat bacterial infections. They function by either eliminating bacteria directly or by hindering their growth and multiplication, thereby helping the immune system overcome the infection. These powerful drugs are distinct from many common medications because, unlike over-the-counter options, antibiotics consistently require a medical prescription. This ensures their appropriate and effective use.
What Makes Antibiotics Unique
Antibiotics target only bacteria, not viruses. They work by interfering with bacterial processes, such as the formation of the cell wall or the production of proteins essential for survival. For instance, bactericidal antibiotics, like penicillin, kill bacteria, while bacteriostatic antibiotics prevent bacteria from multiplying. This targeted action means antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections, such as the common cold or flu. Administering antibiotics for viral illnesses provides no benefit to the patient and carries potential risks.
The Urgent Problem of Antibiotic Resistance
Antibiotic resistance represents a significant public health challenge, occurring when bacteria change and withstand the effects of antibiotics. This resistance can develop through genetic mutations or by acquiring genes from other bacteria. When antibiotics are used, susceptible bacteria are eliminated, but resistant bacteria survive and multiply, passing on their traits. Misuse and overuse of antibiotics accelerate this natural process.
Taking antibiotics for too short a time, in insufficient doses, or for the wrong illness, such as a viral infection, allows bacteria to become resistant. This means common infections can become difficult or impossible to treat, leading to prolonged illnesses, increased hospitalization, and even death. It is estimated that bacterial antibiotic resistance was directly responsible for 1.27 million global deaths in 2019 and contributed to 4.95 million deaths. The emergence of drug-resistant pathogens also makes many medical advancements, including surgery and cancer therapy, riskier due to the increased difficulty in treating associated infections.
Individual Risks of Misuse
Taking antibiotics without proper medical guidance carries several risks. A primary concern is misdiagnosis, as antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections. This fails to treat the illness and exposes the individual to unnecessary side effects. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and rashes. More severe reactions, such as life-threatening anaphylaxis, can also occur.
Antibiotics can also disrupt the body’s beneficial microbiome. This disruption eliminates helpful bacteria, creating an imbalance that allows harmful bacteria to overgrow. A notable consequence is increased susceptibility to Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infection, which can cause severe diarrhea and colitis. This infection often occurs when the normal gut microbiota, which usually provides resistance against pathogens, is disturbed by antibiotic treatment.
Why Prescriptions Are Essential
Prescriptions for antibiotics are essential because healthcare professionals mitigate their risks. Accurate diagnosis is paramount, ensuring antibiotics are prescribed only for bacterial infections and not for viral illnesses where they offer no benefit. Diagnostic tests help determine if an infection is bacterial, guiding prescription decisions.
Once a bacterial infection is confirmed, professionals select the correct antibiotic based on the pathogen and its susceptibility. They also determine the appropriate dosage and duration of treatment, critical for effectiveness and minimizing resistance. Typical antibiotic courses for common infections can range from 5 to 14 days, depending on the specific condition. This tailored approach ensures the highest chance of treatment success while reducing the likelihood of adverse effects and the emergence of resistant bacteria.