WHAT IS THE HASSLE ABOUT ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE?

  Being in the middle of a pandemic, we think this would be the best time to discuss antibiotic over usage. To dodge another possible pandemic, it is high time we use the antibiotics in our hands wisely. New resistant strains of bacteria are growing so fast that we are running out of antibiotics to treat them. WHO has released a list of bacteria for which new antibiotics are needed.
HOW DO ANTIBIOTICS WORK?

To make something clear, not all antibiotics kill all bacteria. Certain antibiotics are effective against certain bacteria.

   To simplify, these antibiotics specifically target the components or a particular process of microbes which is not found in the host (humans).  
   Generally by studying the symptoms or nature of the infection, the likely causative organism is decided and apt antibiotics are given. In unfamiliar scenarios, pus culture is done to find out the causative organism.
ANTIBIOTICS IN DENTISTRY:
    Use of antibiotics in dentistry is empirical because pus culture cannot be done for every dental problem. According to a study, 81% of the time antibiotics prescribed by dentists as pre-emptive strike against infection are unnecessary.
WHAT ARE THE PROBLEMS WITH ANTIBIOTIC OVER USAGE?

   Toxicities: Almost all antibiotics produce toxicities which is dose related.

   Drug resistance: It is the unresponsiveness of a microbe to an already sensitive antibiotic due to over usage.
   Superinfection- Our body naturally contains certain good microbes that are a part of our immune system. They restrict the growth of pathogenic (disease causing) microbes. When we consume antibiotics for longer time, these good microbes are destroyed. Some other pathogenic microorganisms which are not affected by those antibiotics will thrive, causing new infection. 

   Nutritional deficiency- Some vitamin-B complex and vit-K are produced by good microbes in our intestine. The shift in these microbial floras can cause deficiency.

MORE ON ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE:

   Main functions of bacteria are to multiply, spread and cause infection. When any of these function is impeded they tend to adapt and combat these antibiotics. Antibiotic resistance is accelerated by extensive use of antibiotics. 

How does it happen? Bacteria become tolerant or impermeable to antibiotics by mutation or gene transfer. Or they can destroy the drug by producing enzymes. These resistant bacteria are more virulent compared to non-resistant counterparts.
   So when already existing antibiotics become ineffective to new strains of bacteria, we are in dire need to discover new drugs to protect us from new infections.
WHAT WE URGE YOU TO DO?
   NEVER CONSUME ANTIBIOTICS OVER THE COUNTER. Always get professional help.
   Give your immune system a chance! If you are an otherwise healthy individual, don’t compel your doctor to prescribe you antibiotics when he/she prefers not to.
   In case of prescription, complete the course and don’t stop midway or don't decrease your daily dose saying you feel better.

   Patience is key.
   Oral hygiene practice is critical in preventing new infection and treating an already existing one.

CONCLUSION

   If antibiotic resistance continues, antibiotic treatment will become less and less effective, and something as simple as sore throat or a cut on your finger could kill, like it used to in the 1900s.

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