Tackling Antibiotic Resistance: What can Doctors and Patients do? - Dr Umang Agrawal

Hailed as miracle drugs, antibiotics have not only revolutionized medicine but have also saved countless lives. However, their overuse and misuse have led to a growing crisis: antibiotic resistance.

This means bacteria are evolving to become resistant to the very drugs designed to kill them, rendering these crucial medications ineffective. The gravity of this situation is stark: 39 million people are expected to die from antimicrobial resistance (AMR) between 2025 and 2050.

As a physician, I see the impact of this resistance firsthand, and it's a battle we must fight together. Far beyond a mere medical buzzword, antibiotic stewardship stands as a critical initiative, empowering both - healthcare professionals and patients to safeguard these life-saving drugs for generations to come.

Antibiotic resistance develops when bacteria are exposed to antibiotics repeatedly or inappropriately. This exposure acts as a selective pressure, favouring the survival and proliferation of resistant strains.

The consequences are serious, infections become harder to treat, hospital stays are prolonged, healthcare costs rise, and, tragically, lives are lost.

The good news is that we can all play a role in combating antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic stewardship involves a multipronged approach, focusing on responsible prescribing practices by healthcare professionals and informed decision-making by patients.

For Healthcare Professionals

• Accurate Diagnosis: Prescribing antibiotics should always be based on a confirmed bacterial infection. Many common illnesses, like the common cold and flu, are caused by viruses, against which antibiotics are ineffective. Utilizing diagnostic tests to confirm bacterial infections is crucial.
• Targeted Therapy: When antibiotics are necessary, selecting the appropriate antibiotic for the specific bacteria causing the infection is essential. This involves considering factors like the bacteria's susceptibility to different antibiotics and intrinsic mechanisms of drug resistance. The aim should be the use of the narrowest spectrum of antibiotic, keeping these factors in mind.
• Optimal Dosage and Duration: Prescribing the correct dosage and duration of antibiotic treatment is vital to maximize effectiveness and minimize the development of resistance. Shorter courses of antibiotics are often sufficient and can reduce the risk of resistance.
• Infection Prevention and Control: Implementing effective infection prevention and control measures in healthcare settings is paramount. This includes hand hygiene, proper sterilization techniques, and isolation precautions to prevent the spread of resistant bacteria.
• Collaboration and Education: Regular communication and education among healthcare professionals about antibiotic stewardship guidelines and best practices are essential to ensure consistent and effective implementation.

For Patients

• Understanding Antibiotics: It's crucial for patients to understand that antibiotics only work against bacterial infections, not viral infections. Taking antibiotics for a viral illness will not help you recover and can contribute to antibiotic resistance.
• Don't Demand Antibiotics: Trust your healthcare provider's judgment. If they determine that antibiotics are not necessary, it's important to respect their decision. Pressuring them to prescribe antibiotics unnecessarily puts you and others at risk.
• Follow Instructions Carefully: If you are prescribed antibiotics, take them exactly as directed. Complete the entire course of treatment, even if you start feeling better before you finish. Stopping early can allow bacteria to survive and develop resistance.
• Prevention is Key: Practice good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing, to prevent infections in the first place. Vaccinations are also crucial for preventing many bacterial and viral infections. Vaccination is not just for children, it plays a vital role in adults as well, both in preventing disease and antimicrobial resistance.
• Open Communication: Don't hesitate to ask your healthcare provider questions about your illness and treatment options. Understanding your condition and the rationale behind treatment decisions empowers you to make informed choices.

The future effectiveness of antibiotics rests in our hands. By working together – healthcare professionals and patients alike – we can preserve the effectiveness of these life-saving drugs and protect ourselves and future generations from the growing threat of antibiotic resistance.

It's a commitment to responsible use, informed decision-making, and a healthier future for all. Our commitment today to antibiotic stewardship shapes tomorrow's medical landscape, ensuring these vital medications remain effective when needed most.