Antibiotics Could Alter Gut Bacteria Levels for a Long Time A recent study has revealed that antibiotics could have a more long-term effect than people might think. The research showed that repeated use of antibiotics caused the microbes in the guts to change drastically over time. In spite of the study failing to prove that the effect could cause later health problems, some experts say that the wrong type of germs in the system could lead to other ailments like obesity and even asthma. It also raises questions on the lingering ill effects that people suffer due to use of antibiotics. The scientists said that there are millions of beneficial bacteria in the human body who play a significant role in the immunity and the overall health of the body. Some of the studies indicate that antibiotics can turn some of the harmful bacteria to become resistant to certain drugs which could result in certain health issues as well. The research took into account the bacteria levels in the guts of the volunteers. It was found that repeated consumption of the antibiotics caused the amount of germs to plummet to as low as one third of the original amount. Out of the three volunteers, two of them had their intestinal germs back to the normal amount within a week. One volunteer’s guts, however, failed to gain back the flora even after 6 months of the initial antibiotic dosage. After another round of antibiotics none of the volunteers had normal standards of bacteria in their intestines till two months. Scientists said that the gut bacteria arrived in the intestines of the human body within days after birth. (September 25th 2010, Thaindian Times)
When antibiotics were discovered back in the 1940’s they were hailed as the wonder drug of the century. Certainly many people that once perished from simple infections were being saved. Even today antibiotics are the most valuable medicines known to man. However, as a society we are using them far too frequently. I don’t know about you, but every time a friend or relative comes from the doctors surgery here, they have at least one kind of antibiotic prescribed. Even more frustrating is that almost every woman who gives birth in Indonesia is given antibiotics whether she needs them or not; her breast fed baby therefore also gets a dose. A good percent of new born babies are also given their own course of antibiotics often unnecessarily.
Antibiotics used appropriately can stop infections and save lives. When used inappropriately they can do more harm than good. Let’s look at what these drugs are, why we need them, and what limitations they may have.
What are antibiotics?
Antibiotics, through various actions, destroy or inhibit the growth of bacteria. The antibiotic may be specific, and targeted at a small group of bacteria, or it may be a broad-spectrum antibiotic, which means it will be effective against a large group of organisms. Most antibiotics are absorbed well through the gut, and are sold as tablets or syrups, but some do have to be injected.
Do antibiotics cure all infections?
No they do not. Antibiotics have no effect at all on infections caused by viruses, or fungi. Viruses cause all types of flu and colds, and most coughs and sore throats. Recovery from viral infections will happen in the same number of days with or without antibiotics. In some cases antibiotics will be prescribed for someone suffering a heavy viral infection to prevent bacterial overgrowth. Antibiotics will aggravate the condition of someone suffering a fungal infection. Many “healthy bacteria” that normally live around our bodies actually assist us in our well being. These friendly bacteria are killed when broad spectrum antibiotics are prescribed. This then leaves an open arena for pathogens like certain fungi (eg Candida), to take over. Interestingly enough, recovery from some bacterial infections will happen in the same number of days with or without antibiotics.
What is “Antibiotic Resistance”?
When antibiotics are used to kill a certain group of bacteria, some of those bacteria may adapt, grow and multiply with a new found strength that is able to resist the antibiotic that was once effective in killing it. Each time an antibiotic is used, the chance of resistance increases. The resistance to any antibiotic is not limited to one person but affects the entire community in general. For example if Fred takes antibiotics (eg Amoxicillin) for every minor infection that he has, the bacteria will soon become resistant to that antibiotic. If John is then infected by a bacteria that has been passed on to him by Fred, it will be of no use for John to take Amoxicillin. The bacteria is already resistant. This has been proven in communities world wide. Penicillin, the very first antibiotic to be marketed, is now useless against most infections. Certain strains of antibiotic resistant Staphylococcus (Golden Staph.) have colonised in hospitals all over the globe. Malaria is resistant to Chloroquine in almost all high risk malaria regions (although strictly speaking malaria is not a bacteria, but the same principle applies).
Antibiotic resistance is a very serious problem. Very soon we will be back at square one, if the drug companies cannot design newer and more sophisticated antibiotic weapons to counteract the ever-mutating bacterial armies. Bacterial resistance cannot be stopped, it is part of evolution itself. However it’s development and spread can be minimised by:
- Only using antibiotics when absolutely necessary.
- Knowing what sort of illnesses respond to antibiotics.
- Understanding that recovery from many illnesses will occur in the same time frame, with or without antibiotics.
Here are some conditions that are frequently treated with antibiotics that perhaps need not be.
Coughs and Bronchitis
- In most cases, coughs and bronchitis are caused by viruses and rarely need antibiotics.
- Even coughs that produce yellow or green phlegm rarely need antibiotics.
Colds and flu
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Colds and flu are caused by viruses and can last for several weeks.
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Yellow or greenish nasal discharge does not necessarily mean that antibiotics are indicated.
Sore throats
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Sore throats that are accompanied by a cold or a cough are generally viral in origin.
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A bacterial Streptococcal infection (“Strep Throat”) is diagnosed by a laboratory test, and is treated with antibiotics.
Sinus Infections
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Sinus infections that last for less than 2 weeks are generally caused by a virus.
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Severe or recurring sinus infections may be treated with antibiotics.
Ear infections
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Not all ear infections require treatment with antibiotics.
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Most people will be pain free within 24 hours with or without antibiotic therapy.
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If symptoms persist for more than 24 – 72 hours (depending on age).
Mean while some good common sense tips for overcoming an illness when antibiotics are inappropriate are:
- Get plenty of rest.
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Drink plenty of fluids (water or herbal tea) 7 – 8 glasses a day.
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Avoid cigarettes and smoky environments.
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Paracetamol (Panadol, Tylanol) may reduce aches, pains and fever.
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Steam inhalations may be used to help reduce congestion (not recommended for children under the age of 6. Care should be taken in older children using hot water steam therapy).
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Saline (sterile salt-water) nasal sprays will help clear mucous. Nasal suckers are available for babies that are unable to clear their own nose.
So what if I really DO need Antibiotics?
It’s no secret to most seasoned expats that you do not need a doctors prescription to buy most medicines over the counter at the local “Apotek” or pharmacy; but beware the amateur presciber! If you are after an antibiotic, what was good for your infected tooth may not be good for your bladder infection. Remember all antibiotics are not the same, and many are specific to any one group of pathogens. Antibiotics are powerful drugs best left alone unless you really know what you’re doing. Naturally if any condition is severe or persistent you should consult with your health practitioner.
When you are sure that you need antibiotics, and that you have been prescribed the drug correctly, make sure that your doctor gives you all the information that you need. Does it need to be taken before or after meals? Will they interact with any other medication that you may be on? (Ladies beware! several commonly prescribed antibiotics will decrease the effectiveness of the contraceptive pill). Are their any unusual side effects? (Many of you may already have experienced the rude shock of peeing bright orange or red urine if you have ever taken Flagyl!), and finally, should you be pregnant or breast feeding, check that the antibiotic that you been prescribed is safe for your baby.
Kim Patra is a qualified registered nurse and midwife who has been living and working in Bali for almost 20 years. She now runs her own private practice and medical referral service from her Kuta office. Kim is happy to discuss any health concerns with you and she may be contacted via e-mail at info@chcbali.com or Hp. 081 2366 0000.
