Caution on Antibiotic Use

Five Important Harms of Indiscriminate Antibiotic Use As COVID-19 infection continues at full pace, seasonal viral diseases such as flu and colds are knocking on the door again, as they do every autumn! While high contagiousness ranks among the most important characteristics of diseases caused by viruses, the absence of a known treatment represents a significant problem. At this point, many people resort to antibiotics and suffer greater harm instead of benefit! This is why 18 November is marked worldwide as Antibiotic Awareness Day, aimed at raising awareness of the dangers of indiscriminate antibiotic use. Acıbadem Altunizade Hospital Pulmonologist Prof. Dr. Hacer Kuzu Okur states: "One of the important turning points in human history is the discovery of antibiotics and the resulting ability to save many lives. However, clinical and laboratory tests are necessary to distinguish whether the cause of infection is viral or bacterial in origin. Antibiotics must be used under medical supervision; otherwise, they can cause very serious harm." Prof. Dr. Hacer Kuzu Okur explained five important harms of indiscriminate antibiotic use and provided important warnings and recommendations.

Developing Resistance

As a result of excessive and improper antibiotic use, many bacteria have developed resistance. In other words, antibiotics become ineffective. This situation prevents infections from being treated. Antibiotics should be used only when necessary and should not be discontinued before the recommended treatment period.

Disrupting the Digestive System

Indiscriminate antibiotic use disrupts the balance of the digestive system, particularly causing nausea, vomiting, bloating and abdominal pain, and can lead to diarrhea. It can also cause mouth sores and changes in tooth color.

Harming the Immune System

By killing beneficial microorganisms in our intestinal mucosa, it can impair mucosal immunity and cause new infections to develop. It can lead to an increase in the development of allergic diseases. Besides itching and rashes on the skin, it can cause advanced allergic reactions such as cough and shortness of breath.

Leading to Metabolic Problems and Obesity

Antibiotics misused especially in childhood disrupt our intestinal flora, creating absorption problems, creating the ground for diabetes and causing obesity.

Setting the Stage for Liver and Kidney Failure

Prof. Dr. Hacer Kuzu Okur states: "Antibiotics are eliminated from the body through the liver or kidneys. Many drugs impair liver and kidney functions and can cause failure. At a time when we are fighting COVID-19 infection, when we are also confronted with diseases characteristic of autumn, resorting to antibiotics immediately will cause harm rather than benefit. Antibiotics are not effective in treating diseases caused by viruses. Antibiotics are effective in treating infections caused by bacteria. However, they must absolutely be used only when the physician deems it necessary."