Risk of overusing antibiotics
Like most illnesses, the solution to getting better almost always involves medication. Antibiotics are drugs that are used to fight off bacteria causing illnesses. Contrary to popular belief, antibiotics cannot fight viruses of fungus. Antibiotics began with the discovery of Penicillins in 1928 by Alexander Fleming. They are substances derived from various species of microorganisms that are capable of inhibiting the growth of other microorganisms even in small concentration.
Antibiotics have saved thousands of lives, but like everything else, overusing it can do more harm than good.
Abusing antibiotics such as taking more than the prescribed dose or for a longer period of time comes with very serious side effects, including allergic reactions and resistance to it, which means your body won’t be able to fight bacteria, and even go on to kill the good bacteria your body needs.
According to Dr. Nemile Etuh of Garki Hospital Abuja, antibiotic resistance is when your body doesn’t respond to the antibiotics when you really need it to fight bacterial infections. Self medication is one of the leading causes of antibiotic resistance. Smaller or larger doses of antibiotics lead to self educated microbes that are able to resist the medication .
Assuming that you would get better after a few doses is usually the main reason people overuse antibiotics. Your body needs time to fight the illnesses, and increasing your dose won’t do anything to hasten up the process. After all, things will get worse if your body becomes unable to fight infections, completely making things more complicated.
It is advised not prescribe antibiotics for yourself or anybody else. Visit your doctor. If the doctor feels that prescribing antibiotics is appropriate, then ensure you stick to the prescribed dose, at the time you are meant to take it and for the number of days or weeks the doctor deems fit. Have some faith in your body and the medication, and soon enough, you will be feeling as good as new.
The same goes for all drugs. No matter what you maybe feeling, paying your doctor a visit is the best way to go. Selfprescription may seem more convenient, but health and safety always come first.
It is also important to bear in mind how to best protect ourselves from getting infections, such as washing your hands frequently, keeping ourselves indoors at times when you are feeling ill, as well as regular checkups. That way, the need for you to take antibiotics becomes significantly reduced.