The Dangers of Unnecessary Antibiotic Use

Parents often reach for antibiotics immediately when children develop high fever, cough and sore throat. But be careful!

Dr. Oya Duran, Pediatrician Specialist at Acıbadem Kozyatağı Hospital, notes that our country ranks among the leading European countries in antibiotic use, yet warns that unnecessary antibiotic use causes harm rather than benefit to health. "For example, if the fever is caused not by bacteria but by a virus or another cause, antibiotics will certainly not work and may instead cause serious damage to the body unnecessarily. Similarly, sore throat and cough can have many different causes and should absolutely not be used unless the doctor considers it necessary."

She adds: "We know that viral infections and even simple nasal congestion alone can cause sore throat, and antibiotics have no place in their treatment." Dr. Duran, emphasizing the need to pay attention not only to avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use but also to proper timing and duration of antibiotic treatment, states that following the doctor's recommendations is essential. In a statement made during the 18-24 November World Antibiotic Awareness Week, Dr. Oya Duran explained five scientifically proven harms of unnecessary antibiotic use and provided important warnings and recommendations.

It kills beneficial bacteria!

Unnecessary antibiotic use leads to the death of beneficial bacteria in our body that play important roles ranging from food digestion to immune system regulation, from brain health to inflammation prevention, and causes harmful bacteria to increase. The increase in harmful bacteria can cause many harms, from diarrhea, abdominal pain and vomiting to very serious diseases.

It can lead to obesity!

Scientific studies have revealed the relationship between unnecessary antibiotic use and increased prevalence of obesity, while the connection with increases in asthma, food allergies, diabetes, immune system dysfunction and celiac disease is also being investigated.

It can cause damage to the liver and kidneys!

Our vital organs, the liver and kidneys, are also greatly harmed by indiscriminate antibiotic use. Dr. Oya Duran emphasizes that unnecessary and arbitrary antibiotic use can cause very serious damage to the liver and kidneys, and states that those with existing liver or kidney problems must inform their doctor, so that medication and dosage can be adjusted accordingly.

Antibiotic resistance is rapidly increasing!

Antibiotic resistance means the loss of the drug's ability to kill bacteria and prevent their spread. According to research, deaths from infection due to antibiotic resistance are increasing exponentially worldwide. It is predicted that by the 2050s, deaths due to resistant infections will be measured in the millions.

It causes serious allergic reactions!

Unnecessary antibiotic use also contributes to the spread of allergic diseases. Dr. Oya Duran states that antibiotics used carelessly can cause problems ranging from simple skin rash to increased heart rate, to anaphylactic shock—a very serious condition that affects breathing and causes loss of consciousness, creating life-threatening risk.