The overuse and misuse of antibiotics is becoming an increasing concern in the UK and around the world. While antibiotics have saved countless lives, using them indiscriminately can lead to a number of health risks that patients should be aware of. Today, we will examine some of the main risks associated with antibiotic overuse.
Candida Infection
One of the most common risks of antibiotic overuse is developing an infection from the fungus candida. Candida is found naturally in the body and is usually kept under control by healthy bacteria. However, antibiotics kill both good and bad bacteria, allowing Candida to thrive uncontrolled. This can lead to candida overgrowth and cause candida symptoms such as oral thrush, vaginal yeast infections, digestive issues, and skin rashes. If the Candida spreads through the body, it can cause a serious systemic infection known as invasive candidiasis.
Doctors can test for candida overgrowth through a candida test that looks for high levels of Candida antibodies or DNA in the blood or stool. A candida infection is typically treated with antifungal medications. Making dietary changes to cut down on sugars and refined carbohydrates may also help treat Candida overgrowth and restore balance to the microbiome after a course of antibiotics. Probiotic supplements can help repopulate the gut with beneficial bacteria to prevent Candida from regrowing.
Antibiotic Resistance
The overuse of antibiotics also leads to increased antibiotic resistance. This is when bacteria change and adapt to become resistant to the mode of action of antibiotic drugs. The more antibiotics are used, the more chances bacteria have to develop resistance. Drug-resistant superbugs like MRSA have now emerged that can withstand multiple types of antibiotics.
Antibiotic resistance is a growing crisis in the UK and around the world. Common illnesses are becoming much harder to treat, and routine surgeries and cancer treatments more high-risk without effective antibiotics. Unless antibiotic use is curtailed, by 2050, experts estimate that drug-resistant infections could claim 10 million lives per year globally.
Changes to Microbiome
Taking repeated or unnecessary courses of antibiotics can also cause damage to the community of microbes living in and on our bodies, known collectively as the microbiome. The gut microbiome, in particular plays many important roles in immunity, nutrient absorption, brain function, and prevention of disease.
However, antibiotics do not discriminate between beneficial and harmful bacteria. Broad-spectrum antibiotics especially can decimate microbial populations in the gut and beyond. This can allow harmful bacteria like Clostridioides difficile to proliferate and cause illnesses like diarrhoea and colitis. Rebuilding a healthy microbiome after antibiotics requires time and care.
Other Health Risks
Some other risks linked to overusing antibiotics include digestive issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea, which affect up to one-quarter of people taking antibiotics. Allergic reactions to antibiotics are also possible, ranging from mild rashes to life-threatening anaphylaxis.
Antibiotics have enabled incredible medical advances, but overuse and misuse of these drugs carries many inherent health risks. Doctors and patients alike need to be aware of these risks and be judicious when considering antibiotic use.
