Researchers
opine that reducing antibiotic prescription does not increase the incidence of infection
rate. A study was conducted to see the impact of prescribing antibiotics by
physicians for respiratory tract infections (RTIs). Experts were interested in
finding what happens when GPs do not prescribe antibiotics for self-limiting RTIs.
Respiratory
tract infections include cold, cough, sore throat and chest congestion that
usually reduce without any medical intervention. Antibiotics are not
recommended to treat RTIs, as they are caused by viral infections. Typically, to
manage RTIs, common cough & cold
medicines are advised. Researchers claim that use of antibiotics in mild to
moderate RTIs can contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance.
Antibiotic
resistance is developed when you use antibacterial drugs unnecessarily, irregularly,
haphazardly, frequently and excessively. This means you develop a resistant to
that particular antibiotic and the medicine fails to cure the infectious
condition. In such case, you may need other antibiotic to treat the bacterial
infection.
The
study aimed to evaluate whether the incidence of few diseases was higher in
practices that advised antibiotics for self-limiting RTIs. The results found
that reduction in antibiotic prescription was not linked to greater risk of
RTIs, expect pneumonia.
Nevertheless,
the findings cannot confirm the exact cause and effect. The study was analysed
from a population perspective so it was not able to deal with changes or
variations in prescription.
Researchers
hope that these finding can help in the context of broader communication
strategies to encourage and support the proper use of antibiotics by healthcare
professionals and patients. They also recommend people not to use antibiotics
unnecessarily.
The
bottom-line is to avoid antibiotics if you suffer from common cold and flu. If
the symptoms do not subside, visit your doctor. If the infection is due to
bacterial invasion, you need an antibiotic course, which you should take
exactly as prescribed. It is important to complete the course of therapy even
if you feel better within a day or two.
