There have been numerous advancements in medical science that have helped with the
diagnosis, treatment, and management of medical conditions, however, an over reliance on
medications can opposite effects than those intended.
When I first read this week’s discussion post topic, my mind immediately went to
antibiotic overuse and drug resistance. Antibiotic resistance can pose a significant threat to
global public health (World Health Organization, 2020). If used appropriately, antibiotics
can be used to successfully treat bacterial infections, and have revolutionized medical
treatment, however, issues can occur when there is a lack of proper education on the need
for and use of antibiotics. In recent years, the number of Americans who expect to receive
antibiotics as a “cure all” for their medical condition is alarming.Nearly one third of
antibiotics prescribed in the United States should not be prescribed based on the conditions
being treated (UT Southwestern Medical Center, 2016). According to a study conducted
by the Journal of the American Medical Association, of 17 million prescriptions written to
treat sinus infections, 6 million of those were not medically warranted (UT Southwestern
Medical Center, 2016). Unfortunately, this is only half the battle, misinformation and
misconceptions regarding antibiotic usage must be combated as well. According to the
World Health Organization, “even if new medicines are developed, without behavior
change, antibiotic resistance will remain a major threat” (World Health Organization,
2020). One way that we can prevent, and limit antibiotic resistance is through preventative
measures. Over the course of the pandemic, we’ve be taught the importance of
vaccinations, proper hand washing techniques, avoiding close contact with sick
individuals, and the need to stay home if we are sick. Additionally, if an antibiotic is
medically warranted based on current guidelines, it will be vital that patients understand
the need to complete the full medication regimen even if they begin to feel well. Not
completing the full antibiotic regimen could contribute to the bacteria becoming drug
resistant. If the rate of antibiotic resistance continues to progress, this could lead to
increased medical costs and prolonged hospital stays (World Health Organization, 2020).
Although antibiotics can have a significant impact on medical treatments of bacterial
infections there needs to be additional regulations, education, and oversight in order to
mitigate misuse which can have detrimental impacts overall.
References:
UT Southwestern Medical Center. (2016, June 23).Antibiotics: When you need them and
when you don't: Prevention: UT southwestern medical center. Retrieved from
https://utswmed.org/medblog/antibiotics-resistance-proper-use/
World Health Organization. (2020, July 31).Antibiotic resistance. Retrieved from
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/antibiotic-resistance
