Bacterial infections are responsible for a significant proportion of illnesses and deaths every year across the globe. The traditional way of treating them has, for almost a century, been through the use of antibiotics. However, there are a number of issues with this, including antibiotic resistance.
What are antibiotics?
Antibiotics are specially formulated medicines that are able to target bacteria. They work by destroying bacteria or inhibiting their growth. They only work on bacterial infections. It costs a significant amount of money to develop antibiotics, and not all make it to market.
What is a bacterial infection?
When harmful bacteria grow in the body without being controlled, they can cause damage to tissues and cells and can excrete toxins. The human immune system is capable of fighting off some bacteria, but may need extra help in the form of antibiotics.
What are the most common bacterial infections?
There is a huge range of bacterial infections. Among the most common are pneumonia, otitis media, Clostridium difficile, Campylobacter, Staphylococcus, and E-coli. The presence of harmful bacteria in the bloodstream or other tissues can cause sepsis, which is a serious condition for which antibiotics are the first line of treatment.
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If you are experiencing hearing issues or ear pain, you may have an ear infection. Specialists such as https://www.imperialhearing.com/audiologist-near-me/tewkesbury are able to offer a range of hearing checks.
What is antibiotic resistance?
This occurs when the bacteria that cause the infection become resistant to antibiotics. Contrary to popular belief, it is the bacteria within the body and not the body itself that can be resistant to antibiotics. This is a major problem because, for many infections, antibiotics are the go-to treatment.
What are the implications?
Antibiotic resistance is regarded as a global health disaster and is predicted to cause 10 million deaths per year by 2050.
What can be done?
Overcoming this issue is far from straightforward. It will involve healthcare providers, the general public, pharmaceutical companies, and policymakers.
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