In healthcare, antimicrobial drugs such as antibiotics were once powerful tools for combating infections. However, as bacteria, viruses, and fungi evolve resistance, once-effective treatments are becoming ineffective. This phenomenon is known as antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Unlocking this battle to preserve human health requires the collective participation and efforts of everyone involved.
Understanding Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
AMR occurs when pathogens lose their susceptibility to commonly used treatments, making infections more difficult to control. Consequences include:
- Prolonged illness duration
- Longer hospital stays
- Scarcity of treatment options and increased risk of worsening conditions
AMR is a global health challenge requiring a global response.
Why does AMR pose a health threat?
- Complex treatment: Common infections such as urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and skin infections are becoming increasingly difficult to treat. These often require stronger drugs with more significant side effects.
- Increased risk of complications: Even mild infections can develop into life-threatening conditions. Mortality and complication rates associated with these infections are increasing.
- Limited treatment options: The slow pace of new drug development has led to a shrinking selection of drugs.
Main causes of AMR
- Overuse of antibiotics: Using antibiotics for unnecessary conditions (such as viral colds) is a major driver of drug resistance.
- Not completing treatment as directed: Stopping medication prematurely allows remaining pathogens to adapt and develop resistance.
- Overuse of antibiotics in agriculture: The misuse of antibiotics in livestock and crops contributes to the spread of drug-resistant bacteria to humans.
- Global travel and food distribution: Drug-resistant bacteria can easily spread across borders, accelerating their spread.
What can we do to mitigate AMR?
Use antimicrobials with caution
- Use only on the advice of a healthcare professional and avoid misuse.
- When in doubt, check with your doctor whether you really need antibiotics. – Strictly follow medication instructions and complete the entire course of treatment. Do not skip or store leftovers.
Preventing Infection and Reducing Medication Needs
- Get vaccinated on time to reduce the risk of infection.
- Maintain food safety to prevent foodborne illnesses.
- Practice good hygiene habits, such as frequent handwashing, to effectively prevent the spread of germs.
- Stay home and rest when you are sick to avoid infecting others.
When to Communicate with a Healthcare Provider?
If symptoms persist, if you develop a fever or difficulty breathing, or if you are unsure whether antibiotic treatment is necessary, seek professional medical advice promptly.
How Can the Healthcare System Support Us?
Healthcare institutions should strictly follow guidelines for appropriate medication use to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use. At the same time, they should implement strict infection control measures to ensure patient safety and curb the spread of drug-resistant bacteria.
Although antimicrobial resistance is a serious challenge, each of us can contribute to its mitigation through scientific and rational medication use and daily precautions. Protecting our personal health is also a responsibility to safeguard public health. Let us, from now on, be wise users of medicines and practitioners of healthy habits, and build a future without fear of drug resistance.
