Many parents think that coughs and fevers need antibiotics, while most diseases in children are caused by viruses with antibiotics that are completely ineffective, says Dr Rajiv Uttam, a pediatrician at Fortis Hospital, India. Using drugs like that is causing children to lose the opportunity to treat them effectively when they are really necessary.
In India, antibiotic consumption is currently at an alarming level - 10.7 units/person - leading the world. Not only in India, antibiotic abuse in children is common in many countries.
Why are young children resistant to drugs?
mis instructions: Many parents give their children antibiotics as soon as they have a cold or sore throat without knowing the cause is due to viruses or bacteria.
Insufficient dosage: Children may stop taking medication when they feel better, but bacteria that have not been completely destroyed will become resistant to the drug.
Antibiotics in food: Antibiotics used in livestock can be transmitted indirectly to humans through food.
Lack of new replacement drugs: New Christmases are being developed less and less, making treatment of infectious diseases difficult.
Solutions to control antibiotic resistance in children
Only take antibiotics when absolutely necessary and as directed by your doctor.
Follow the correct dose and enough treatment time.
Raising parents' awareness and understanding the difference between infections and viral infections.
Promoting personal hygiene, especially washing hands regularly, helps prevent diseases effectively.
Promote research on new drugs, especially antibiotics specifically for children.
Dr. Uttam further warned: "If we continue to use antibiotics haphazardly, there will come a time when there will be no medicine that can cure children."
