Diseases such as gonorrhea, malaria, tuberculosis and childhood ear infections are becoming more and more immune to the effects of antibiotics. Bacteria have also become increasingly resistant to some of the most powerful medicines.
Some of the reasons behind the decreasing affect of antibiotics include over prescribing, taking antibiotics unnecessarily and doctors prescribing powerful antibiotics to their patients when a milder antibiotic was just as effective. These types of practice could render stronger medications vulnerable to resistance in the future and could ultimately strip doctors of access to a disease-fighting weapon.
Changing Attitudes of Doctors
Doctors' views toward antibiotics have gradually been changing and there have been more instances of doctors approaching the prescribing of antibiotics with a more rational thought process. Doctors are also increasingly realizing that the more antibiotics are prescribed, the higher the likelihood they will become resistant to certain bacteria.
Fighting bacteria has become a huge issue within the country's hospitals. The multitude of procedures performed daily at hospitals make them highly susceptible to infections.
Washington Times June 22, 2004
The Washington Times interviewed me for another medical opinion on antibiotic-resistant bacteria. I am happy to see that they did print my reference to the much overlooked fact that over 70 percent of the antibiotics used are not for humans, but for agriculture. Fortunately, most expert doctors are realizing that many infections clear up without antibiotics.
Ear infections are a classic example as nearly two-thirds of children with uncomplicated ear infections recover from pain and fever within 24 hours of diagnosis without antibiotic treatment and over 80 percent recover within one to seven days.
Occasionally antibiotics are required, however, and can save one's life. If you are put on one it is very important to remember to take a high-quality good bacteria to replace the beneficial bacteria that are killed.
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