According to the information compiled from the data of the Ministry of Health, drugs that kill bacteria or stop their reproduction are defined as “antibiotics”. These drugs, which are used in the treatment of infectious diseases caused by bacteria, are of vital importance in maintaining health. Along with antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals and antiparasitics are defined as “antimicrobial drugs”.
WHAT IS ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE?
Despite the presence of these drugs, the ability of bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites to reproduce and cause disease is expressed as “Antimicrobial Resistance (AMD)”.
As a result of antimicrobial resistance, which is shown as a global health threat facing the world, the duration of treatment is prolonged, treatment costs, morbidity and mortality rates are increasing.
10 MILLION PEOPLE CAN LOSE LIVES
While it is stated that approximately 700 thousand people die due to antimicrobial resistance worldwide every year, it is estimated that if the resistance rate increases at the current rate, the annual number of deaths will increase to 10 million in 2050. It is noted that these deaths will be more than the cancer-related deaths expected in 2050.
WARNING TO FAMILY UNDER 5 YEARS OLD
It is emphasized that antimicrobial resistance, which poses a threat to all ages, carries a high risk, especially in young children.
It is noted that one out of every 5 deaths is seen in children under the age of 5, and families are warned to avoid the use of antibiotics for their children unless prescribed by a physician.
Antibiotics should only be used in the appropriate dose and duration under the supervision of the pharmacist, when prescribed by the physician. It is recommended that antibiotics, which have no place in the treatment of respiratory tract infections due to viruses such as flu or cold, should not be used unless prescribed by the physician.
“FAMILY DON’T HAVE TO PANIC”
Ankara University (AU) Faculty of Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases and President of the Association for the Advancement of Drug Awareness and Rational Medicine, Prof. Dr. İsmail Balık, Stating that more than 90 percent of respiratory tract infections in children are caused by viral infections such as flu, colds and influenza, Balık continued his words as follows:
“Antibiotics should definitely not be used in children in cases of such viral diseases. It is recommended that children be taken to the doctor again if the symptoms persist for more than 5 days or if the symptoms increase much more after 48 hours. If a bacterial condition is detected in the hospital examination, antibiotics should be used with a physician’s prescription. Otherwise, there is no need for parents to panic, as viral infections will go away in a few days.”
PHYSICIAN AND PHARMACICIAN SHOULD NOT BE PRINTED
Evaluating that the physician working in the primary care also has a great responsibility, Balık said, “Antibiotic should never be prescribed under the pressure of the parents. Because, unless it is sure of bacterial infection, antibiotic treatment cannot be considered. Antibiotics cannot be obtained without a prescription anyway. Therefore, pressure should not be placed on physicians and pharmacists. ” said.
TURKEY IS ONE OF THE COUNTRIES WITH THE HIGHEST ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE
prof. Dr. Balık, underlined that the rate of antibiotic resistance, which eliminates the chance of treatment due to unnecessary use, has decreased thanks to the health policies regarding the rational use of antibiotics.
However, noting that this is still not enough, Balık stated that Turkey is currently among the countries with the highest antibiotic resistance.
“In order to win this struggle, we must act together with the family and the physician. Because the scientific world has not been able to discover a new antibiotic group that is effective in the treatment of diseases for about 30 years. Therefore, the only weapon we have is the existing antibiotics, and by using them rationally, avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use, “We must prevent death due to resistance. Avoiding widespread and unnecessary use, both in agriculture and livestock, and in humans, is vital today and for the future.” (AA)