In India, easy over-the-counter access has led to a growing crisis. It has regularised the use of antibiotics in daily life. A Lancet study as issued in the 2024 paper Drug Control Media Services reports that one-third of India’s 30 lakh sepsis deaths are linked to antimicrobial resistance. 

 

Need all your wellness solutions in one place? A whole new world awaits just a click away.

 

Antibiotics, once lauded as miracle cures, are now losing their potency. Some simply no longer stand a chance against certain bacteria. This troubling trend, known as antibiotic resistance, has emerged as one of the most urgent challenges to global health today. The primary culprits are the overuse and misuse of antibiotics. 

 

Related story: The Benefits of Collagen Supplements: Do They Really Work?

 

Causes of Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotic resistance is an intriguing and alarming phenomenon where bacteria evolve to thrive in the face of medications designed to eliminate them. This adaptation can take various forms: some bacteria may modify their structure to thwart a drug's effects, create barriers to block access, or even develop the ability to break down the drug completely. 

Once these resilient bacteria gain the upper hand, they can multiply rapidly, spreading their survival tactics to others in a sort of bacterial "survival of the fittest." While a certain level of resistance is a natural outcome of bacterial evolution, the pace and scope of this challenge are significantly influenced by our use of antibiotics. 

When these powerful drugs are overprescribed or misused, it accelerates resistance, making common infections more difficult to treat and putting public health at risk.

 

Related story: Are You taking Supplements At The Right Time

 

Overuse of Antibiotics

Misuse of antibiotics happens when a person takes the wrong antibiotic, the wrong dose of an antibiotic or an antibiotic for the wrong length of time. Talk to your doctor about the best treatment for your illness and steps you can take to feel better when you don't need an antibiotic. Never ask your doctor to prescribe an antibiotic. Misusing antibiotics not only reduces their effectiveness but also contributes to the global crisis of antibiotic resistance.

Here are some common signs of antibiotic abuse:

• Antibiotics are often mistakenly taken for viral infections such as colds, the flu, or sore throats, even though they are ineffective against these illnesses. It's crucial to complete the entire prescribed course of antibiotics; skipping doses or stopping treatment prematurely, even when symptoms start to improve, can lead to antibiotic resistance. 
• Using leftover antibiotics from a previous prescription poses significant risks, as they may not address the current infection properly and should only be taken under a doctor's guidance. 
• Similarly, it's important not to pressure healthcare providers into prescribing antibiotics for minor ailments or situations where they are not warranted, as this contributes to the misuse of these powerful medications. 
• Self-medicating with over-the-counter antibiotics is another dangerous practice; these medications typically require expert oversight to ensure their appropriate use. 
• Additionally, sharing antibiotics with others or using someone else’s prescription can result in harmful side effects and ineffective treatment. 
• Lastly, the frequent use of broad-spectrum antibiotics—those that target a wide range of bacteria—over precisely targeted ones can exacerbate the problem of antibiotic resistance, making it increasingly difficult to treat infections in the future.

 

Related story: Should You Take Chromium Supplement?

 

How to Prevent Antibiotic Abuse

We all have a part to play in ensuring antibiotics are used responsibly. By taking antibiotics only when truly necessary, you can safeguard your health, protect your family, and help fight antimicrobial resistance.

Here’s how you can take action:

• Use antibiotics as prescribed. Always follow your doctor’s instructions and never self-medicate.
• Prevent infections. Practise good hygiene, like washing hands regularly, staying up-to-date with vaccines, and cooking food safely.
• Avoid unnecessary antibiotics. Don’t pressure healthcare providers for antibiotics if they’re not needed, especially for viral illnesses.

Antibiotics have changed medical history, acting as remarkable defenders against infections. However, their magic can fade if we don’t use them wisely. It’s essential to grasp the dangers of misuse and take proactive steps to prevent infections, ensuring we only turn to these vital drugs when absolutely necessary. By doing so, we can safeguard our health and the well-being of our families while combating the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance. This is a team effort—every smart choice we make plays a crucial role in preserving the life-saving power of antibiotics for generations to come. 

 

Related story: 5 Ways to Spot Health Misinformation

 

Need all your wellness solutions in one place? A whole new world awaits just a click away.

 

Health should be a priority always and at UR.Life, we help you make it one. Our Corporate Wellness programme is designed to support and lift employees so they can be healthy and their most productive self at work. Our holistic wellness approach caters to all aspects of your well-being. We ensure that you are able to bring your whole self to work.

With our Occupational Health Centers and Health Risk Assessment, you can find out which diagnostic tests will be best for your individual needs and get started right away. Our medical professionals ensure that routine health check-ups will never be an issue. Advanced laboratory technologies and certified methods ensure that you are always able to put your health first. 

Click here to learn more about the UR.Life Corporate Wellness programme and unlock better health.