Taking Too Many Antibiotics: A Double-Edged Sword
Antibiotics are a cornerstone of modern medicine, effectively treating bacterial infections and saving countless lives. However, their overuse can have unintended consequences, posing a threat to both individual and public health. Let’s delve into the effects of taking too many rounds of antibiotics.
The Rise of the Resistant:
The primary concern surrounding antibiotic overuse is the development of antibiotic resistance. When antibiotics are used excessively or for the wrong reasons (like viral infections), bacteria have a higher chance of evolving defenses. These resistant strains become increasingly difficult, sometimes impossible, to treat with existing antibiotics. This creates a scenario where even common infections can turn serious, and potentially deadly.
NIH: Antibiotic overuse: a key driver of antimicrobial resistance. Read Info at The National Institute of Health – NIH
A Rutgers study examining global misuse of antibiotics highlights the need for physician and patient education. Click Here
Individual Health Risks:
Beyond resistance, taking too many antibiotics can disrupt the delicate balance of bacteria in your gut. This “good” gut flora plays a vital role in digestion and immune function. Disruption can lead to:
- Digestive Issues: Antibiotics can wipe out good bacteria alongside bad, causing diarrhea, nausea, and stomach upset.
- Fungal Infections: The overgrowth of fungus, like yeast infections, can occur when antibiotics eliminate the natural fungal competitors.
- Allergic Reactions: Some individuals experience allergic reactions to certain antibiotics, ranging from mild rashes to life-threatening complications.
Combating Overuse:
Fortunately, there are steps we can take to ensure antibiotics remain effective:
- Consult a Doctor Always: Never take leftover antibiotics or use them for a new infection without consulting a doctor. They’ll determine the right course of treatment, including whether antibiotics are even necessary.
- Complete the Course: Even if symptoms improve, it’s crucial to finish the entire prescribed dosage to eradicate the infection completely and prevent resistance.
- Alternative Treatments: For viral illnesses like the common cold, antibiotics are ineffective. Doctors can recommend alternative treatments to manage symptoms.
Conclusion
Antibiotics are lifesavers but using them judiciously is key. By understanding the risks of overuse and taking a responsible approach, we can ensure these powerful medications continue to be effective for generations to come. If you have any questions or concerns about antibiotics, talk to your doctor.
By no means are we at LSV Vitamins saying do not take what your doctor prescribes, we are just saying that we have an alternative for those who cannot take Antibiotics, afraid one of the many side effects, or simply want to try an all-natural alternative. We have a large number of people (over 100,000) who take and have taken this at the first sign of a problem, and it works well. As always, consult your doctor.
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Below are a number of statistics that help describe how antibiotics are currently being prescribed in outpatient settings in the United States and how these practices are contributing to the larger issue of antimicrobial resistance.
- In 2014, 266.1 million courses of antibiotics are dispensed to outpatients in U.S. community pharmacies. This equates to more than 5 prescriptions written each year for every 6 people in the United States.
- At least 28% of antibiotics prescribed in the outpatient setting are unnecessary, meaning that no antibiotic was needed at all.
- Total inappropriate antibiotic use, inclusive of unnecessary use and inappropriate selection, dosing and duration, may approach 50% of all outpatient antibiotic use
The possibility of antibiotic side effects can be frightening, but it is important to remember that their proper use has saved countless lives. Those using antibiotics should report any possible negative reactions to their doctor immediately. In some cases, doctors will have their patients continue using a specific antibiotic if the side effects are mild; in others, the doctor will switch the patient to another drug.
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*Disclaimer: None of the above statements have been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. As always, consult your physician before taking any supplements. LSV. Individual results may vary.