The Truth About Antibiotics

The Truth About Antibiotics

Every day a patient asks his primary care provider for antibiotics.  It is quite understandable.  No one likes to get sick.  Not only does it feel terrible, but everyone has places to go and people to see.  It is no wonder people look for a quick fix.  Unfortunately, antibiotics are not always the answer.

We Live in Harmony With Bacteria

Bacteria are single-celled organisms that have gotten a bad rap.  Yes, some bacteria can cause disease and illness, but others actually promote health.  In fact, we could not live without them.  Bacteria in our GI tract aids in digestion, bacteria on our skin shields us from harmful infectious agents, bacteria in our urogenital system maintains proper pH balance for tissue health.  These “good” bacteria overall boost our immune system.

Antibiotics Have Negative Consequences

When we take antibiotics, we do not only kill the bad bacteria that is making us sick but also the good bacteria that is keeping us healthy.  This can lead to loose stool/diarrhea, increased skin infections, vaginal yeast infections, and weakening of our immune systems.  Taking antibiotics is not without risk.

Antibiotics Kill Bacteria, Not Viruses

Antibiotics decrease the growth of or otherwise kill them.  Unfortunately, the majority of sore throats, bronchitis, sinusitis, and ear infections are caused by viruses, not bacteria.  They will fail to make you feel better in most cases.

Inappropriate Use of Antibiotics Causes Antibiotic Resistance

Not all bacteria die when exposed to antibiotics. Some bacteria may survive and grow.  Limit exposure to antibiotics unless you truly need them and complete any course of an antibiotic you are prescribed.  Skipping even a single dose can allow bacteria an opportunity to mutate and become resistant to that antibiotic in the future.  This increases not only the chance that you will develop resistant bacteria in your own body but also that resistant bacteria will reside in the community.

Antibiotic Resistance Increases Health Care Costs

Infections caused by antibiotic-resistant organisms tax the healthcare system.  Not only do they frequently require more expensive antibiotics for treatment but they often require longer treatment, multiple interventions, and on occasion, hospitalization for IV therapy.

Antibiotic Resistance is a Worldwide Concern

There is a growing concern for antibiotic resistance in the United States and around the world.  Development of new and improved antibiotics is at a near standstill (not that efforts are not being made) and inappropriate use of antibiotics is rampant.  We need to learn when and when not to use antibiotics to prevent a future crisis.  There could be a pandemic one day which leaves us with limited treatment options.

What To Do When You Get Sick

If you are not feeling well over 3 or more days AND have a fever greater than 101 degrees, seek a face-to-face evaluation with your primary care provider.  A physical exam may determine if you are suffering from a bacteria or a virus.  A provider who offers you antibiotics over the phone is doing you no favors.

Above all else, please be respectful of your healthcare team.  If your provider does not prescribe you an antibiotic, there is no hidden agenda.  She is living to the key tenant of medicine – to do no harm.  Let her clinical training and expertise guide you.  Symptom management is the preferred route in the majority of cases and will offer you more benefit than harm in the long run.

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