Imagine you develop an infection and the doctors say it’s difficult to treat or we may not be able to treat it—you will undoubtedly reply, “God forbid.” While the 20th century’s discovery of antibiotics is something for which we should be grateful, when they don’t work, it’s another problem that is becoming common, and this is called “AMR- Antimicrobial Resistance.
Bacteria are present almost everywhere. The majority of germs don’t harm people, while some do (infection-causing bacteria). In actuality, some are advantageous. Food digestion is aided by healthy bacteria in the digestive system. However, some people require antibiotics to eradicate or halt the development of infection-causing bacteria, such as those that cause pneumonia, urinary tract infections, or other stomach bugs.
What is antibiotic resistance (AMR)?
As bacteria adapt and resist the antibiotic drugs that usually kill them, antibiotic resistance (AMR) occurs. Anyone, of any age, in any nation, can be impacted. Although AMR can happen over time, human misuse of antibiotics hastens the process. Antibiotic resistance (AMR) causes increased mortality, longer hospital stays, and higher medical expenses.
What are the causes of antibiotic resistance?
Antibiotic misuse: bacteria take advantage of any chance to grow. Bacteria begin to multiply if a medication is missed for a day or days, a course of treatment is stopped too soon, or the wrong antibiotics are used. They might alter as they grow in number. Adapted microorganisms become more and more resistant to treatment.
Antibiotic resistance is exacerbated by antibiotic overuse, which involves taking antibiotics when they are neither necessary nor beneficial. For instance, since viruses typically cause sore throats, antibiotics are ineffective.
Prevention and control
To prevent and control the spread of antibiotic resistance, individuals SHOULD:
Only take antibiotics as directed by a licensed physician.
Stop treating viruses like the cold or flu with antibiotics. Viruses are immune to antibiotics.
Listen to your healthcare provider: if your healthcare provider indicates you don’t need antibiotics, refrain from asking for them.
Always abide by your doctor’s recommendations—for instance, take all of your medications as directed for maximum effectiveness and to prevent the development of resistance.
Maintain good hygiene by washing your hands frequently and using effective infection control measures. (avoiding use of antibiotics when you stay healthy)
Pharm.com.ng advises that you ONLY use antibiotics as prescribed by a licensed and qualified healthcare provider.
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