DRUG RESISTANCE

Drug Resistance

Overview and Facts

Drug resistance is taking place when pathogens like germs and viruses possess the ability to beat the drugs intend to kill them. This means that the pathogen will continue to spread. It does not mean that our body is becoming resistant to drugs; it is that the microbes have become more resistant to the drugs intend to kill them. Drug resistance is the response of the bacteria to the use of medicines.

Antibiotics are used to fight microbes. Drug resistance depends on the amount of drug consumption. There are lots of infections like pneumonia and TB that are hard and sometimes impossible to treat, so some antibiotics may be less effective. Drug resistance is when bacteria continue to multiply and the person remains sick. Drug non-resistance is when bacteria continue to multiply but these bacteria will die, so the person is healthy again.

Types and Symptoms

SYMPTOMS

Methicillin – resistant Staphylococcus Aureus is a microorganism found in the skin or nose of healthy people. This bacteria is not harmful, but it can cause infection when they get into wounds. This microorganism is resistant to many antibiotic medicines.

This infection begins with:

  •  Painful small red bumps
  • Swollen bumps
  • Feeling sore when touching the skin
  •  Grows rapidly and does not heal

Streptococcus Pneumoniae is a microorganism that can cause different illnesses like pneumonia. It can also cause ear infections, meningitis, and sinus infections. The bacterial infection can be transmitted by coughing, close contact with an infected person and sneezing. If the infection is untreated and becomes severe, it can cause brain damage, hearing loss, and even death.

The infection can manifest as:

  • fever
  • cough
  • chills
  • shortness of breath
  • stiff neck
  • difficulty sleeping
  • chest pain
  • ear and joint pain
  • irritability

Carbapenem -resistant Enteribacteriaceae is a microorganism found in the digestive area. These include E. Coli and Salmonella. These pathogens live in the intestines without causing any illnesses. If you take contaminated foods or drinks with these strains, food poisoning and gastroenteritis can develop, which can bring about vomiting or diarrhea. These microorganisms can cause serious infections of the bloodstream, wounds or urinary tract infections.

The symptoms may include:

  • fever
  • chills
  • frequent urination
  • blood in the urine or cloudy urine
  • pain when urinating
  • bad smell of urine
  • nausea and vomiting

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

The diagnosis will depend on how long the pathogen will grow in the laboratory (culture and sensitivity) . It will take days or weeks to know the results because the bacteria needs to grow. A sample from the blood, urine or wound is usually obtained. If microorganisms continue to multiply despite antibiotic treatments, it simply means that the bacteria involved are drug-resistant. Ask your doctor whether you need antibiotics or not.

 

TREATMENT

Your doctor will decide when you need to take antibiotics or what type of medicine you should take. Follow all instructions on your prescription to prevent antibiotic resistance. Complete antibiotics until you finish the course, even if you feel better.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle and get enough sleep to help your immune system fight against any illness. Also, practice proper hygiene to prevent bacteria from spreading.

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