Benefits and Harms of Antibiotics

For many patients, antibiotics are considered a “cure-all”. The risks associated with unnecessary use of antibiotics are often underestimated - especially the growing risk of resistance to antibiotics.

... especially the growing threat of resistance to antibiotics.

It is undisputed that penicillin and other antibiotics have saved many people's lives and that previously fatal infections have become curable through the use of antibiotics.

In many cases, antibiotics are essential and can save lives, for example in the case of serious infections such as pneumonia or sepsis, the most serious form of infection. Antibiotics are effective against infectious diseases caused by bacteria such as tuberculosis, whooping cough and many sexually transmitted infections.

In some cases, antibiotics can also reduce the risk of infection, for example during surgery, chemotherapy or dialysis in patients with end-stage renal disease.

risks of antibiotics

However, the risks associated with antibiotics must be carefully weighed against their benefits.

Risks and their consequences include:

• Allergic reaction

  Skin rashes and itching are mild allergic reactions. Swelling of the throat and difficulty breathing are also typical. The most severe form of allergic reaction to antibiotics, allergic (anaphylactic) shock, is life-threatening.

  
  
• interactions
  Taking antibiotics and other medications at the same time can affect the effectiveness of both the antibiotics and the medications.
  
  
• infections
  Taking antibiotics also increases the risk of other diseases, because the healthy intestinal flora in the digestive tract is partially killed during antibiotic therapy. This greatly increases the risk of infection with mild bacteria in food, for example. The risk of infection with Clostridium difficile bacteria (C. difficile) also increases during or after antibiotic treatment, often a cause of severe, persistent diarrhea. Taking antibiotics also increases the risk of fungal infections, for example of the vagina or mouth and throat, because the natural balance between bacteria and fungi on the mucous membranes is disturbed.

Danger of antibiotic resistance

Incorrect use of antibiotics leads to bacteria becoming resistant. The usual substances or dosages of antibiotics are then no longer sufficient to kill all pathogens. This means that the bacteria survive and continue to spread. The more often an antibiotic is taken, the greater the proportion of insensitive germs among the bacteria. Eventually, a resistant strain of bacteria develops against which the antibiotic is no longer effective.

Diseases, which were previously curable with conventional antibiotics, are becoming increasingly difficult to treat. The spread of antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest problems of modern Medicine.

Antibiotic resistance - a global problem

In the USA alone, over two million cases of illness and around 23.000 deaths are due to infections with antibiotic-resistant bacteria - this is an estimate by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Although new antibiotics are being developed to combat resistant bacteria, they are often not available everywhere and therefore do not kill the most dangerous resistant bacteria reliably enough. For this reason, the World Health Organization (WHO) has published a list of antibiotic-resistant bacterial groups, which will provide an important basis for the development of new antibiotics in the future.

When antibiotics are ineffective

It can be assumed that around 30% of all antibiotic prescriptions are unnecessary. Antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections, such as colds, influenza or bronchitis.

Many supposedly bacterial infections do not always need to be treated with antibiotics. Sinus infections or ear infections, for example, are often caused by viruses. In these cases, treatment with antibiotics is not advisable. Often, medication that alleviates the symptoms is sufficient. The human body usually has enough strength to successfully fight the viral infection by activating the immune system.

Initiatives for the responsible use of antibiotics

The healthcare system is primarily responsible for the use of antibiotics. Farmers and food manufacturers are also called upon to use fewer antibiotics. Responsible use of antibiotics and knowledge of the benefits and risks are crucial so that everyone can receive the best possible treatment. Global initiatives such as Antibiotic Stewardship are committed to the appropriate use of antibiotics.

Some tips for the safe use of antibiotics:

• Antibiotics should only be taken as prescribed by a doctor and exactly as prescribed
  
  
• The treating Doctor knows when antibiotics are effective and when they are not
  
  
• The respective doctor's practice will be happy to provide information about antibiotic resistance and possible side effects
  
  
• Antibiotics must always be taken until the end of treatment, and leftovers should never be kept
  
  
• Antibiotics must never be passed on to others
  
  
• The doctor must be informed if side effects and especially severe diarrhea occur
  
  
• The treating doctor will be happy to provide information on how symptoms can be alleviated without antibiotics
  
  
• Antibiotics should never be bought without a prescription, even online or abroad
  
  
• Wash your hands often, shield your cough, Disease Staying at home and getting recommended vaccinations will help you stay healthy and avoid getting infected
  
  
• Food should be prepared safely and hygienically, meat should be well cooked and fruit and vegetables should be thoroughly cleaned before eating

A healthy body with a strong immune system protects against infection with dangerous pathogens and can be life-saving in the event of serious complications such as sepsis. That is why it is a good idea to regularly have a complete health check to detect and eliminate weak points in the body in advance.