Losing War on Bacteria

Diseases such as gonorrhea, malaria, tuberculosis and childhood ear
infections are becoming more and more immune to the effects of
antibiotics. Bacteria have also become increasingly resistant to some
of the most powerful medicines.

Some of the reasons behind the decreasing affect of antibiotics
include over prescribing, taking antibiotics unnecessarily and doctors
prescribing powerful antibiotics to their patients when a milder
antibiotic was just as effective. These types of practice could render
stronger medications vulnerable to resistance in the future and could
ultimately strip doctors of access to a disease-fighting weapon.

Changing Attitudes of Doctors

Doctors' views toward antibiotics have gradually been changing and
there have been more instances of doctors approaching the prescribing
of antibiotics with a more rational thought process. Doctors are also
increasingly realizing that the more antibiotics are prescribed, the
higher the likelihood they will become resistant to certain bacteria.

Fighting bacteria has become a huge issue within the country's
hospitals. The multitude of procedures performed daily at hospitals
make them highly susceptible to infections.

Washington Times June 22, 2004

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Dr. Mercola's Comments:

The Washington Times interviewed me for another medical opinion on
antibiotic-resistant bacteria. I am happy to see that they did print
my reference to the much overlooked fact that over 70 percent of the
antibiotics used are not for humans, but for agriculture. Fortunately,
most expert doctors are realizing that many infections clear up
without antibiotics.

Ear infections are a classic example as nearly two-thirds of children
with uncomplicated ear infections recover from pain and fever within
24 hours of diagnosis without antibiotic treatment and over 80 percent
recover within one to seven days.

Occasionally antibiotics are required, however, and can save one's
life. If you are put on one it is very important to remember to take a
high-quality good bacteria to replace the beneficial bacteria that are
killed.

Related Articles:

Antibiotics Linked to Asthma, Allergies

Antibiotics may Increase Breast Cancer Risk

Finally, U.S. Doctors Cut Use of Antibiotics

Antibiotics Kill Your Body's Good Bacteria, Too, Leading to Serious
Health Risks

Antibiotics Not Always Necessary In Ear Infections

Healthy Livestock Given More Antibiotics Than Ever

URL: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2004/07/07/bacteria-war-part-
one.aspx