Antibiotic resistance happens when a bacteria becomes resistant to an antibiotic medication meant to kill it. This can happen when antibiotics are used too often or inappropriately. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria can be dangerous and difficult to treat.

Scientists have been studying this issue for years, attempting to understand what causes the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. One of the most significant issues identified is the overuse of antibiotics, but there is one harmful habit that contributes to the creation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria – not finishing a course of antibiotics.

The Importance of Finishing Antibiotics

Many people make the mistake of stopping antibiotics once they feel better, even if they still have a few days left in their prescription. This mistake can lead to the inevitable surge of antibiotic-resistant bacteria development.

When we take antibiotics, they gradually kill the bacteria causing our symptoms. However, if we don’t finish the course of antibiotics, some of the bacteria may be left alive. These surviving bacteria can continue to reproduce, and their offspring can be resilient against the antibiotics we use.

What is Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria?

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are bacteria that are resistant to the antibiotics that are commonly used to kill them.

When bacteria become resistant, it means that the drugs that we have trusted to combat common illnesses like ear or sinus infections could no longer work. This means that when someone gets infected, doctors must resort to stronger doses of antibiotics that pose a more severe threat to the body. In some cases, even the stronger doses will not work, and the patient may die.

The Dangers of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria cause some infections to become much harder to treat and increases the potential risk of complications such as sepsis.

The development of antibiotic-resistant infections suggests a considerable challenge since there are fewer antibiotics available to treat them. This situation can lead to increased costs, extended hospital stays, and in severe cases, death. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria have become one of the most pressing concerns in modern medicine.

What Causes the Creation of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria?

Antibiotic resistance is a natural process. Antibiotics kill bacteria, but sometimes some bacteria can survive even when exposed to antibiotics. Over time, these bacteria continue to reproduce and produce more bacteria that may be resistant to treatment.

The more bacteria become resistant, the harder it is to treat infections. One of the most significant contributors to antibiotic-resistant bacteria is the overuse of antibiotics. But not finishing a course of antibiotics can create the perfect environment for further growth of the antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

How Does Not Finishing Antibiotics Create Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria?

Antibiotics work by killing both harmful bacteria and bacteria that might be beneficial to the body, leading to imbalances in the body.

When people do not obey their doctor’s instructions in taking antibiotics, it causes the imbalance to remain, allowing antibiotic-resistant bacteria to thrive. When a patient fails to finish their course of antibiotics, it means the bacteria might not have been killed off entirely. Some of the bacteria may survive and continue to replicate, and therefore resistant strains may grow and flourish.

Why Do Some People Not Finish Antibiotics?

There are several reasons people fail to complete a full course of antibiotics. First and foremost is simply forgetfulness. When people begin to feel better, they forget about finishing the course of antibiotics.

That’s why doctors usually promote keeping reminders to make sure they remember to take the medication. The costs of antibiotics can also be an issue for many people. Many people will stop taking the medication, given how costly it is. But the risks of stopping the medication far outweigh the costs of trying to save money.

How to Prevent Antibiotic Resistance?

To prevent antibiotic resistance, we must take antibiotics only when needed and as directed. Antibiotics are not a cure-all and cannot treat all infections.

As such, it’s crucial only to use these drugs for specific bacterial infections and only when prescribed by a licensed physician. Patients should finish their full course of antibiotics as directed by their doctor, even when they begin to feel better.

For patients who cannot afford antibiotics, they should reach out to their doctor, pharmacist, or social worker to see if there are any low-cost options available to them.

Conclusion

In conclusion, antibiotics have been used to treat bacterial infections for more than 90 years and remain one of the most impactful inventions in modern history.

But the overuse and misuse of these drugs can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which is becoming a severe and widespread public health concern. Not finishing a course of antibiotics can create an environment in the body that promotes the growth of resistant strains of bacteria, making them more challenging to eliminate from the body.

By taking antibiotics only when needed and as prescribed, we can prevent bacteria from becoming resistant to antibiotics.