Overuse of antibiotics in treating a sinus infection

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Hi fellow science geeks. I just wanted to share this news about how most sinus infections are caused by viruses, not bacteria and so doctors are over prescribing antibiotics which don't help with viral infections.

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/03/22/most-sinus-infections-dont...

I'm pretty sure I have a sinus infection at the moment so I've been trying out the neti pot nasal irrigation trick. So far it seems to clear things up, but it sure is messy. One thing I noticed is that my ear is aching a lot since I started using it. I don't know what that means...

Anyway, I was just wondering what your thoughts are on this super bug situation? They say over using antibiotics leads to the creation of super bugs. I'd like to understand why. How exactly does treating someting with an antibiotic make the bug get stronger? By 'bug' do we mean bacteria or virus?

This is what I imagine when I think super bug:

All I know is that there is nothing super about the bug I currently have :(

[F, Calla & Luca]

I was unaware of most sinus infections being caused by viruses. But the creation of drug resistant bacteria is longstanding and getting worse. There is some fear we will run out of effective drugs and be in major trouble.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antibiotic_resistance

Here's an explanation. Overuse of antibiotics, not staying on the full course of antibiotics, antibiotics used in poultry and meat are all part of the problem.

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Thanks F!

Wow, take note everyone: I knew something F didn't, lol!! Actually, the news was just released yesterday so it's new to everyone, including doctors it seems. I guess there were some studies done...

[F, Calla & Luca]

Yesterday, give me a break : )

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

F, is this related to the use of antibacterial handwashes, too?

[F, Calla & Luca]

I am not sure but I generally do not use those wipes and things for counters. They don't contain antibiotics though I think. Mostly things like alcohol. If something might potentially be contaminated I'll use bleach, on a counter top for instance. Thorough hand washing, and they mean a long time by most standards, should really do the trick in most cases.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I thought I had heard that hospital personnel were not allowed to use them anymore because they were creating a resistant strain of bacteria. I'm sure I read something about that, along with advice not to use them yourself in your home or let your kids use them.

I don't use anything except plain old-fashioned bar soap on my hands, I can't stand that slimey feel of those liquid soaps and gels. And Windex or Clorox on the countertops.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I don't really know Karen. I did recently see something on a NY, I think, hospital and TV monitoring of hand wiping before entering a patient's room. So they are using something.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I know they are using something, but just not the antimicrobial stuff.

I found this article: http://biology.about.com/od/microbiology/a/handsanitizers.htm

 In fact, using consumer antibacterial soap products may increase bacterial resistance to antibiotics in some bacteria. These conclusions only apply to consumer antibacterial soaps and not to those used in hospitals or other clinical areas.
Other studies suggest that ultra-clean environments and the persistent use of antibacterial soaps and hand sanitizers may inhibit proper immune system development in children. This is because inflammatory systems require greater exposure to common germs for proper development.

 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

And this:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antibacterial_soap

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I took a undergrad microbiology course just a few years ago.  We were told on day one, overuse of antimicrobial soaps was the chief reason for MRSA and other resistant staff infections. So, without even reading your link.....    :)  they are being blamed for resistance to  antibiotics. Or  what they are teaching in class as the latest findings.

[F, Calla & Luca]

II do believe some dirt and exposure to germs, within reason is good. Soap and water, still sounds good. Mixed reviews about the hand sanitizers as I read it.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I just completely stopped washing my hands   :)