The Superbug Problem
December 1, 2008
The commonest prescription for infections like respiratory tract infections and urinary tract infections in North America is antibiotics. About 50% of doctor visits end up in antibiotic prescription. What is worrying is that antibiotics are prescribed for even common cold which cannot be cured with antibiotics.
The use and misuse of antibiotic has created an unfortunate situation – the development of what is called superbugs. These are bacteria that have developed resistance to antibiotics. But there are certain health organisations that have started campaigning against the development of superbugs.
What are superbugs?
As said earlier, superbugs are bacteria that have developed drug resistance. They have survived after getting into contact with antibiotics. After that they undergo mutation that prevents them from the effect of the drugs. This results mostly due to failure to complete treatment courses of antibiotic therapy. When these bugs reproduce, they pass on their resistance to their offspring leading to a development of drug resistance varieties of certain bacteria.
What can they do?
Certain common infections like those responsible for strep throat, rheumatic fever, scarlet fever, and pneumonia are becoming more and more resistant and so difficult to treat. This will lead to more hospital stays and the need for stronger antibiotic with the accompanying greater side effects. Treatment of common infections thus becomes more expensive.
Who is at risk?
Everyone is at risk even though the risk is greater for people with weaker immune systems. Even those who rarely take medication are not spared by superbugs.
How are superbugs created?
Generally drugs that are not very potent or are quickly eliminated from the body contribute to the creation of superbugs. There are certain drugs known to have contributed a lot to the creation of superbugs. These are quinolones like ofloxacin and levaquin used for treating urinary tract infections.
How to prevent creation of superbugs
Always use very potent antibiotics in order prevent relapses and resistance development. An example is clarithromycin. Used in treating respiratory tract infection, it has a very high concentration and but is rapidly eliminated from the body. Finish the entire course of all antibiotic treatments; this makes it impossible for bacteria to survive.
It is also known that antibiotic soaps and cleansers contribute to the creation of superbugs. Avoid using products that are labelled as antibacterial or are said to kill 99% of domestic germs.
Tell a Friend:
We would like to see your Comments here..
St.Botanica Cosmetics
Recent Articles
Natural breast enhancement
Do you feel that your breasts are too small? Have they become misshapen after years of gaining and losing weight? If so, you may be considering different ways to enhance the size
3 Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Healthy sex is pleasurable and it has a lot of health benefits. On the other hand, unsafe sex brings a lot of worry when one gets infected. It is therefore very important
Why People Suffer From Panic Attacks
A Panic Attack is a psychological condition in which the person fears the possible next Panic Attack. It is said that every human being has this fear.
How To Increase Your Breast Size
Women with small breasts tend to lack confidence in their breast size. Society defines a beautiful, sexy woman as one who has round, full breasts.
How Lactose intolerance affects people?
When someone is not able to abstract the important amount of lactose, it is known as lactose intolerance. The inability of the cells to produce sufficient
