Antibiotics: get the facts

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What exactly are antibiotics?

Antibiotics are a group of medications used to treat – and sometimes prevent – infections caused by bacteria. They work by stopping harmful bacteria from reproducing, or by killing them completely. They're usually taken orally (as tablets, pills or liquids), but can also be administered topically (as creams or sprays), or given as an injection or infusion.

There are hundreds of different types of antibiotics, but they can be broadly classified into six groups: penicillins are used to treat a broad spectrum of infections, such as chest or urinary tract conditions; cephalosporins are particularly effective in treating serious infections, such as meningitis; aminoglycosides can cause severe side effects so are only used to treat serious illnesses such as septicaemia; tetracyclines are commonly used to treat skin conditions; macrolides are used in the treatment of lung and chest infections; and fluoroquinolones are used to treat a wide range of infections.

I've had a stinking cold for weeks. So why won't my GP prescribe antibiotics?

OK, are you sitting comfortably? Or as comfortably as you can do while you're feeling under the weather? Now, repeat after us: antibiotics only treat bacterial infections, not viral ones. All colds – and most coughs and sore throats – are caused by viruses. So taking antibiotics won't make them any better.

What's more, if antibiotics are overused or prescribed incorrectly, they gradually lose their effectiveness and the bacteria can eventually become resistant to them. For example, the bacteria that cause the superbug MRSA are now resistant to several antibiotics.

It's also worth noting that nearly one in seven antibiotic treatments prescribed by GPs over the last two decades in the UK have failed, according to recent research by Cardiff University.

Is antibiotic resistance really such a big problem?

Yes! In fact, it's one of the greatest threats to human health facing us today, according to the World Health Organisation. Professor Dame Sally Davies, the government's chief medical officer for England, has described it as a 'ticking time bomb'. The reason? Without effective antibiotics, many routine treatments – from setting broken bones to chemotherapy – will become increasingly dangerous.

And don't be fooled into thinking that scientists can simply conjure up new antibiotics to replace the ones that don't work any more. In the past 30 years, only two new types of antibiotic have been identified – and there's no guarantee any more will be found.

OK, you've convinced me. So are all doctors prescribing fewer antibiotics?

Sadly not. Around 35 million prescriptions are still dispensed each year in England alone. And despite all the scary health warnings, antibiotic prescriptions and cases of resistant bacteria have continued to soar, according to a recent Public Health England report. There was a six per cent increase in prescriptions between 2010 and 2013 – half of which may have been inappropriate.

One possible solution to stop people from using unnecessary medication is for GPs to offer 'back-up' prescriptions – with instructions for patients to take the antibiotics only if their symptoms worsen or persist.

Ultimately, it's important to discuss all the possible treatment options. Don't attempt to pressurise your GP into prescribing antibiotics. And if you are prescribed them, ask why – and whether there are any viable alternatives.

Do antibiotics have any side effects?

Around one in 10 people who take antibiotics will experience digestive upsets – such as nausea, diarrhoea, stomach ache and indigestion. These are usually mild and will disappear as soon as you finish your course of medication.

Approximately one person in 15 will experience an allergic reaction to antibiotics: penicillin and cephalosporins are the main culprits here. This can take the form of a skin rash, coughing or wheezing – but can normally be relieved by taking an antihistamine.

Antibiotics may also interact with other medicines – so do check with your GP or pharmacist before taking them.

Anything else I should know?

Remember, if you're prescribed antibiotics, it's crucial that you finish the course – even if you start to feel better – unless told otherwise by your doctor. The reason? Stop taking an antibiotic too soon, and the bacteria can become resistant to its effects.

Where can I find out more?

To show your support for European Antibiotic Awareness Day on 18 November and pledge to encourage responsible use of antibiotics, go to antibioticguardian.com

And for more information about the fight against antibiotic resistance, contact Antibiotic Action.

Just one last thing: how am I supposed to get rid of this cold then?

Rest up, eat well and drink plenty of water. There are many over-the-counter remedies that can help ease symptoms, so ask your pharmacist for advice. If the symptoms get considerably worse or persist for more than a couple of weeks, see your GP. But – and you know what we're about to say, don't you? – don't expect to be prescribed antibiotics.

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