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Do You Really need an Antibiotic??

Pills

It’s December and with the slight nip in the air or with temperatures dropping come to all common illnesses like fever, cold, cough, sore throat, body ache etc. It’s a very common sight to find most people self-medicating with antibiotics. Every second person knows about it from the previous prescription or just by walking into the chemist’s store voicing their symptoms and getting their strip of antibiotics, like Azithromycin, Erythromycin, Amoxicillin, Cefuroxime, Cefixime etc. But, I really doubt if these people even know what antibiotics are and what they are used for!

Most of the people have this notion that it is a magic pill for common ailments like cold, cough, fever.  Also, most are of the belief that with one or two doses of these tabs, they will be immediately cured of their ailment.

Well yes, I would say it is a magic pill but only for BACTERIAL INFECTIONS! Not all cold , cough, fever are due to bacterial infections, many a times its of viral infections which are self-limiting and needs to be controlled with paracetamol, taking rest and antibiotics have no role in treating viral infections.

So what are Antibiotics?
Antibiotics are powerful medicines that fight bacterial infections. When used properly, antibiotics save lives. They either kill bacteria or keep them from reproducing. Your body’s natural defenses can usually take it from there.
Common viral infections that do not benefit from antibiotic treatment include:

  • Cold
  • Flu (influenza)
  • Most coughs
  • Most sore throats
  • Some ear infections
  • Some sinus infections
  • Stomach flu (viral gastroenteritis)

Frequent and irrational use of antibiotics can cause Antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistance occurs when an antibiotic has lost its ability to effectively control or kill bacterial growth; in other words, the bacteria are “resistant” and continue to multiply in the presence of therapeutic levels of an antibiotic leading to treatment complications and increased healthcare costs.

In spite of growing awareness of antibiotic resistance in recent years, overuse still occurs for a number of reasons:

  • Doctors may prescribe antibiotics before receiving test results that identify the actual cause of infection.
  • People who want quick relief from symptoms, regardless of the cause of illness, may pressure doctors for antibiotic prescriptions.
  • People may take antibiotics over the counter or via the Internet for self-diagnosed illnesses.
  • People may take antibiotics that are leftover from a previous prescription.

Consequences of Antibiotic resistance

  • More-serious illness or disability
  • More deaths from previously treatable illnesses
  • Prolonged recovery
  • More-frequent or longer hospitalization
  • More doctor visits
  • More-expensive treatments

“Then what do we do to get better”, patients ask??

Antibiotic Stewardship is the answer for this problem which is basically the appropriate use of antibiotics.

Many hospitals and medical associations have implemented new diagnostic and treatment guidelines to ensure effective treatments for bacterial infections and reduce inappropriate use of antibiotics.

The public also plays a role in antibiotic stewardship. You can help reduce the development of antibiotic resistance by taking the following steps:

  • Use antibiotics only as prescribed by your doctor.
  • Take the correct daily dosage and complete the entire course of treatment.
  • If for some reason you have leftover antibiotics, kindly consult your Doctor before self-popping as they might not be the correct antibiotic.
  • Never take antibiotics prescribed for another person.
  • Don’t pressure your doctor to give you an antibiotic prescription. Ask your doctor for advice on how to treat symptoms and look into Lifestyle options for better prevention.
  • Practice good hygiene.

As for viral infections like common flu, we can fight it by building our immunity by modifying our lifestyle for the better. Eat right, exercise often, de-stress and make sure you sleep well to give your body the much needed rest.

So let’s bid adieu to 2016 on a healthy note and a pledge to Stop Antibiotic Resistance!

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BE – AWARE: CERVICAL CANCER

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Recently, I received a call from a friend whose aunt complained of post-menopausal bleeding. My first thought was could it be ‘cervical cancer’ but, I did not voice my concern, instead asked her to take her aunt for a PAP SMEAR Test.

Unfortunately, the results indeed matched my concern. She was diagnosed to have Cervical cancer. This was not the first time that I had come across a case of Cervical Cancer as the numbers have been on the rise for the last decade.

According to a study titled Epidemiology of cervical cancer with special focus on India, every year in India 1,22,844 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 67,477 die from the disease. India has a population of 432.2 million women aged 15 years and older who are at risk of developing cancer. It is the 2nd most common cancer in women aged 15–44 years.

(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4404964)

As per world statistics, India’s contribution to cervical cancer cases is 25.4%.  Majority of the Indian women diagnosed with cervical cancer have never been screened for the disease and around 70% of these cases present in advance stages due to absence of any organized cervical cancer screening program. The most important risk factor for development of cervical cancer is persistent infection by a high-risk subset of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Cervical cancer being the third most common cancer in the world, very little is known about it among the masses.

What is cervical cancer? 

Cervical cancer is a disease that develops very slowly and begins with the precancerous condition known as dysplasia. Dysplasia is easily detected in a routine pap smear and is treatable.

High risk
1)Sexual history- has had multiple sexual partners OR established sexual relations before the age of 18 OR has a partner who has had sexual contact with a woman with HPV infection.
2) Smoking
3) Weakened Immunity
4) Giving birth at very young age
5) Long-term use of contraceptive pills
6) Family history

You need to look out for these signs

1) Bleeding that occurs between regular menstrual periods.
2) Bleeding after sexual intercourse, douching, or pelvic exam.
3) Menstrual periods that lasts longer and are heavier than before.
4) Bleeding after completingMenopause.
5) Increased vaginal discharge.
6) Pelvic pain

If you have noticed any of these symptoms, kindly consult your Doctor at the earliest.

Prevention:

As we know Prevention is better than Cure especially for any cancer, creating awareness becomes the first step towards that milestone.

Lifestyle plays an important role in the prevention of cervical cancer. Foods that are rich in Flavonoids (apples, black beans, broccoli, cabbage, garlic, onion, soy, and spinach), Folate (Avocados, strawberries, oranges, lentils) and Carotenoids (Carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin) are seen to reduce the chances of cervical cancer.

Other than diet make sure you follow the below habits to keep Cervical cancer at bay;

  1. Regular Screening (PAP SMEAR) post the age of 30
  2. HPV vaccine (most effective when administered before start of sexual intercourse)
  3. Practising Safe sex
  4. Avoid Multiple sexual partners
  5. Delaying first sexual intercourse
  6. NoSmoking

There is an HPV Vaccination that is certified by the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP). 2 doses of either of the two HPV vaccines for adolescent/pre-adolescent girls aged 9-14 years is recommended. However, this vaccination is optional. One should consult a Gynaecologist to know more about the vaccine and how it helps.

It is always better to be safe than sorry and as we have now seen. Being safe is the best way to prevent Cervical cancer.

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Pregnancy- Not by Chance!

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Whether it is shopping for groceries, clothes, perfumes, appliances etc., we are extremely choosy and want to go for the best. There is no doubt in the fact we would not want to compromise for anything that is not up to the mark. But, sadly, I find that same is not the attitude when it comes to our own body. Whether it is taking care of our body to be fit and healthy or whether it is to take care of it prior to planning a family.

It is very important to realize that one of the pre requisites to conceive a healthy baby is that both the father and the mother must be in the best of health and there are no two ways about it.

Holistic preconception is about nurturing the mind/ emotions, body and spirit to create the most ideal environment for creating and cultivating life. While, much attention is placed on the mother’s health, we know that the health of the sperm is equally important as that of the egg and womb. Precisely why both egg and sperm should be addressed with the intention of increasing fertility and minimizing exposure to toxins.

Prior to starting, both the parents should undergo a complete health check-up (e.g. Medical history, Genetic history, Blood tests- to check for thyroid levels, hemoglobin, Vitamin B12 & Vitamin D, folic acid, Blood sugars). If any medical condition is detected prior, it will only help to correct the situation before conception and reduce the risk of complications in pregnancy like gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, thyroid disorders and anemia.

Start the regime mentioned below, three months prior to your planned conception and continue it till you conceive.

How to prepare for a healthy conception-

  • Diet– Diet should include folic acid rich food. Folic acid plays an important role in the production of red blood cells and helps baby’s neural tube develop into a brain and spinal cord.

e.g. Vegetables-Cluster Beans (Gavarfali), Spinach (Palak), Lady Finger, Tomatoes, Broccoli, Beetroot, French beans.

  • Curds
  • Cereals/pulses
  • Dry fruits- Walnuts (2), Almonds(4)

Eat unrefined, fresh and homemade food as much as possible.

  • Exercises

Exercise is one of the most important aspects of keeping your body healthy. All exercises improve the blood flow to the pelvic organs, including the male and female reproductive organs which is beneficial to conceiving. (http://goqii.com/blog/excercises-pre-pregnancy-a-good-start-is-half-done/).

Remember  “A mother’s health has direct correlation with her baby’s health” , so the earlier you start, the better.

  • Lifestyle

Stop smoking.  Avoid alcohol completely.  Avoid drugs – both pharmaceutical drugs for chronic conditions and recreational drugs.  Avoid caffeine. Avoid exposure to X-rays and Radiations.

  • Stress

Relaxation techniques – Meditation, massage, or Yoga have been known to help people with stress.

Express your thoughts and worries to your spouse, this will eventually strengthen the bond between the couple & always think positive.

  • Hydration

Water is the simplest method of detoxifying and 2-3 liters are recommended daily.

  • Stopping contraception

Stop hormonal pills and remove intrauterine device (IUD) if any, about 3 months before conception is planned. Use a barrier method (like condom) at this time. Allow a minimum of one normal menstrual cycle between stopping contraception and conception.

  • Dental care

If there are any dental problems (e.g. cavity) get it treated before you conceive. Oral infections are associated with premature labor.

A happy healthy mother is equal to happy healthy baby. Martin Luther once said, “Maternity is a glorious thing, since all mankind has been conceived, born, and nourished of women. All human laws should encourage the multiplication of families”.

May this amazing journey of parenthood begin in a holistic healthy way.

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