Too many antibiotics? Use could lead to resistant bacteria

By Matt Whetstone, Cadillac News
Philosophies about antibiotics are changing.

While antibiotics are great to treat disease, there is a drawback. In a nation where people have become increasingly reliant on antibiotics, bacteria have become increasingly resistant to the drugs.

In the medical community, beginning to change the way things are done truly begins by changing attitudes.

Oftentimes, patients enter a doctor’s office insistent on receiving antibiotics.

In a study performed using patients with strep throat, two groups were given antibiotics while a third was given a placebo. In the two groups given antibiotics, resistance levels rose by 50 percent.

The group given the placebo saw no increase in antibiotic resistance.

In Dr. Gerald Herring’s antibiotic toolbox, he has six options.

That’s six different chances to treat a bacterial infection in children.

“In general, the more antibiotics we use, the higher incidence of bacteria becoming resistant to antibiotics,” said Herring, a physician at Mackinaw Trail Pediatrics in Cadillac.

Another concern is that overusing antibiotics at a young age can cause children to become sensitized to a drug and result in allergic reactions, Herring said.

All of a sudden, six options could be cut in half.

The Centers for Disease Control calls antibiotic resistance one of the world’s most pressing public health problems. Overuse can mean longer-lasting illnesses, more doctor visits or extended hospital stays. Illnesses once easily treated could become much more difficult to remedy.

“A lot of patients still think they need antibiotics for colds,” Herring said. “There are a lot of misconceptions out there in the public.”

Take for example ear infections. It’s something Herring sees all the time as a pediatrician. When treating a child, Herring said he asks himself if the body can deal with an infection or if it needs some help.

Yet, 80 percent of ear infections heal on their own and in about the same time as if an antibiotic were used, Herring said.

It becomes more pressing to use antibiotics for an ear infection if a child has a high fever or if things are not improving after a few days. Not using antibiotics mean careful observation and treating the child’s symptoms.

For adults, doctors have more options when it comes to antibiotics but Herring said it’s the same situation.

“It’s a question of rethinking for physicians and re-educating of patients to teach them they don’t always need antibiotics,” he said.

Dr. James Wilson, Medical Director for District Health Department No. 10, said doctors weigh the risks versus the benefits when determining if an antibiotic is necessary. It means thinking short, intermediate and long term.

“Generally, it’s not good to be on antibiotics for a long time,” he said.

Like anything else, Wilson said microbes are constantly evolving and they will mutate if it can make them more resistant to antibiotics.

While there are many beneficial alternative treatment options, Wilson said there’s not always an incentive to use them under the U.S. medical system.

Likewise, alternative therapies are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, meaning it’s difficult to get information on the risks and benefits, he said.

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What are bacteria and viruses?

Bacteria are single-celled organisms found everywhere. Many are not harmful but some can trigger illnesses, such as strep throat and some ear infections.

Viruses are smaller than bacteria and cause illnesses by invading healthy cells and reproducing.

What kinds of infections are caused by viruses and should not be treated with antibiotics?

Colds, flu, most coughs and bronchitis, sore throats (except those resulting from strep throat).

How do I know if an illness is caused by a viral or bacterial infection?

It is difficult, consult with a physician.

What is antibiotic resistance?

Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria change in a way that reduces or eliminates the effectiveness of antibiotics. These resistant bacteria survive and multiply, causing more harm, such as longer illness, more doctor visits and a need for more expensive and toxic antibiotics.

When do I need to take antibiotics?

Antibiotics should only be used when prescribed by a doctor to treat bacterial infections.

What can I do to avoid antibiotic resistant infections?

Talk to your doctor about antibiotic resistance. Ask if an antibiotic is likely to be effective in treating your illness.

Do not demand an antibiotic when a doctor determines one is not appropriate. Ask what else you can to do help relieve your symptoms.

How can a child be protected from antibiotic-resistant bacteria?

Use only if a doctor determines it will be effective. Antibiotics will not cure most colds, coughs, sore throats or runny noses. Children fight off colds on their own.

Source: Centers for Disease Control