How To Reduce The Situation Of Antibiotic Resistance In Preschool Children?

With the number of diseases all across the globe, there is a gradual increment in the use of antibiotics. There is a perception behind this that an antibiotic can cure the disease, be it whatever. However, it is noteworthy that the excessive use of antibiotics can be harmful to the human body. Especially in the case of preschool children, it turns out into a situation where the antibiotics become resistant. In other words, there is a situation of antibiotics resistance in preschool children. To understand why this situation arises, it becomes indispensable to understand the function of an antibiotic and how it functions in the human body.  

Function Of Antibiotics

Antibiotics are usually used for treating bacterial infections. They either kill or slow down the growth of bacteria production in the human body. They are mostly used for treating cold, influenza, coughs and sore throats, etc. However, it is ineffective in the case of virals. 

The antibiotics act straight on the bacteria and excessive use of antibiotics makes them resistant. In other words, it can be perceived that these can no more be killed by using antibiotics. 

Top 6 Factors Responsible For The Antibiotic Resistance

The subsequent use of antibiotics at a high rate leads to antibiotic resistance. However, there are several factors that also contribute to the situation of antibiotic resistance. Some of them are mentioned below:

• There are instances where children are prescribed more antibiotics than they actually need.

• In some cases, patients don’t finish the course of antibiotics. 

• Excessive use of antibiotics in livestock and fish farming also results in antibiotics to be resistant. 

• Improper hygiene and sanitation results in the bacteria to become resistant to the medicines given to the patients. 

• Poor infection control measures at healthcare centers cause antibiotics to be resistant.

• Lack of discovery of new antibiotics is another reason that leads to the situation of antibiotic resistance.

Risks Associated With Antibiotics

It is mandatory to realize that antibiotics are no doubt a boon to mankind but they also can turn out to be a bane if not taken cautiously. There are several risks associated with the use of antibiotics. There are numerous side effects of using antibiotics if taken in excessive amounts. As a matter of fact, 10% of people who intake antibiotics experience nausea, vomiting tendencies, diarrhoea, rashes, thrush infections, and a lot more. Some other side effects include allergic infections, intestinal infections, fever, breathing issues, and many more are included in this list. Hence, it is advised to take antibiotics only if it is required or else there are high risks of putting life in danger.   

What To Do To Avoid The Situation Of Antibiotic Resistance?

There are several steps that can be taken for avoiding the situation of antibiotic resistance in the human body and that’s also in the case of preschool children. Following steps can be taken into consideration that can assist in achieving this goal:

• Don’t ask for antibiotics if not required.

• Avoid using old antibiotics for any infection that has been recently introduced in the medical world.

• Avoid sharing antibiotics with family members or friends.

• Make sure to follow the dosage of antibiotics in the right amount and at the right time.

• Follow all the instructions of your doctor or a healthcare professional.

• Complete the course of antibiotics even if you feel better because there are chances of retrieval of bacteria in the body. Initiating medicines from the beginning can make them resistant to antibiotics.