Antibiotics and Resistance: how to Preserve Their Effectiveness
Antibiotics are undoubtedly one of the greatest achievements of modern medicine. Discovered in the 20th century,
they revolutionized the treatment of bacterial infections that were once fatal. Although they are lifesavers in many
medical situations, their use comes with special warnings. There is a fine line between
benefits and risks that requires careful consideration from both medical professionals and
patients.
The first antibiotic, penicillin, was discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928, which opened a new era in
medical treatments. Before the discovery of antibiotics, even minor injuries or common infections could have
fatal outcomes. The introduction of antibiotics reduced mortality rates and enabled the development of complex surgical
procedures and treatments such as organ transplantation.
Antibiotics work by destroying bacteria or inhibiting their growth. Different classes of antibiotics target
specific parts of bacterial structure or processes such as cell wall synthesis, proteins, or DNA.
Despite their effectiveness, their overuse and misuse have led to the development of
resistance.
Problems of Overuse
Bacterial resistance represents a huge global health problem. The World Health
Organization warns that we are entering a “post-antibiotic era” where antibiotics could become useless.
The reasons are multiple: excessive and unnecessary prescribing of antibiotics, use of antibiotics in
veterinary medicine for animal growth stimulation, and insufficient research into new antibiotics.
Resistance leads to common infections becoming harder to treat. Superbugs, which are
resistant to multiple antibiotics, pose increasing challenges in hospitals. Infections that were once easy to treat
now require longer hospital treatment, use of more expensive and toxic drugs, and the outcome can be
unpredictable.
Natural Alternatives and Prevention
Many researchers and natural medicine practitioners are exploring alternatives to reduce reliance on
traditional antibiotics. Here are several options that are often considered beneficial:
1. Probiotics – Consuming probiotics can help restore beneficial bacteria in the body,
especially after antibiotic treatment.
2. Honey and propolis – Have natural antibacterial properties and have been used for centuries in treating wounds
and infections.
3. Garlic – The compound allicin is known for its antimicrobial properties and can help fight
mild infections.
4. Herbs such as echinacea and goldenseal – These plants are often used in traditional medicine as
immune system support.
5. Essential oils – Oils such as oregano and tea tree have antimicrobial properties that can be
useful in treating minor infections.
Conclusion
While antibiotics are indispensable in modern medicine, it is important to use them wisely and responsibly. The magic
of antibiotics could fade if we do not take steps to preserve their effectiveness. Education,
prevention through vaccination, responsible use of antibiotics, as well as research and development of new drugs and
therapies, are key steps in this fight. United efforts of medical professionals and the public can
help protect one of the most precious resources we have for preserving health.