“Doctor, Just Give Me An Antibiotic': Things to Consider Before You Misuse or Overuse These Drugs

At many clinics, physicians frequently receive a message that reads familiar, “Just give me an antibiotic, doctor." It stems from an interest in symptomatic relief. However, antibiotics are not the magic medicine for every fever, cough, or sore throat. Doctors say they are powerful medications appropriate for treating bacterial infections, and using them needlessly or too frequently can do more harm than good. One of the biggest challenges that stems from taking antibiotics inappropriately or stopping an antibiotic before completion is that it fosters antibiotic resistance. “When patients take an antibiotic when it is not needed, are non-compliant and do not finish the course, or otherwise use antibiotics inappropriately, bacteria change and evolve

to become more resilient to future pharmacological assaults,” Dr Pradeep Narayan Sahoo, Consultant - Internal Medicine, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, told Times Now. According to Dr Sahoo, a simple case of bacteria that could be treated effectively with a simple regimen of antibiotics will need to be treated with an additive method and potentially a combination of antibiotic medicines, which places more demand on both the patient and the healthcare system. Another important consideration is that many common illnesses, such as viral colds, flu, stomach infections, or seasonal fevers, do not benefit from antibiotics at all. Taking them in such cases provides no relief and instead disrupts the body’s natural microbiome. This imbalance can lead to issues like digestive problems, yeast infections, or reduced overall immunity. “While people may forget that antibiotics carry side effects with them, the medicines have mild symptoms like nausea or fatigue, others have allergic reactions or medication interactions that worsen an existing health condition. “If this is not medically evaluated, the risks often outweigh the benefits,” added Dr Sahoo.

What should you consider before taking an antibiotic?

Doctors suggest you must always believe them, as before requesting an antibiotic, let them investigate your symptoms. “Occasionally, rest, liquids, and symptomatic treatment are all that is actually needed. Antibiotics are a powerful therapeutic tool in modern medicine, but their power should be saved. Responsible use is not just for your sake today, but considerations should also include how to keep antibiotics useful for future generations,” Dr Sahoo added.

What happens if you overuse antibiotics?

The overuse of antibiotics, especially taking them when they are not the correct treatment, promotes antibiotic resistance. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one-third of antibiotic use in people is neither needed nor appropriate. Antibiotics treat infections caused by bacteria. But they do not treat infections that are caused by viruses or viral infections. For example, an antibiotic is the correct treatment for strep throat, which is caused by bacteria. But it's not the right treatment for most sore throats, which are caused by viruses. Other common viral infections that aren't helped by the use of antibiotics include:

• Cold or runny nose
• Flu or influenza
• Bronchitis
• Most coughs
• Some ear infections
• Some sinus infections
• Stomach flu
• Coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19