ISLAMABAD: Experts in nephrology have highlighted the grave consequences of antibiotic misuse, particularly highlighting the significant risk it poses to kidney health. Nephrologists emphasize that the rampant overuse and misuse of antibiotics not only contribute to the global crisis of antimicrobial resistance but also directly harm vital organs like the kidneys.
Dr. MV Rao, a prominent nephrologist from the Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology (AINU) in Hyderabad, voiced concern over the widespread availability of antibiotics without prescriptions, a practice prevalent in India, which leads to their inappropriate usage.
The misuse of antibiotics, including overprescription and incomplete treatment courses, is identified as a major contributor to kidney damage. Certain antibiotics, when used inappropriately or at high doses, can directly harm the kidneys, exacerbating pre-existing conditions or triggering severe reactions in susceptible persons.
Dr. PS Vali and Dr. B. Srikanth further elucidated on the specific antibiotics and scenarios that pose a heightened risk to kidney health, emphasizing the urgent need for public awareness and education on appropriate antibiotic usage.
Consequences of Antibiotic Misuse
The consequences of antibiotic misuse extend beyond kidney damage, with multidrug-resistant infections posing a grave threat, potentially leading to life-threatening conditions like acute kidney injury.
To combat this growing public health crisis, nephrologists advocate for comprehensive antimicrobial stewardship programs aimed at guiding healthcare professionals in judicious antibiotic prescribing practices. Strict regulations against the sale of antibiotics without prescriptions are also deemed necessary to curb misuse.
Moreover, the experts emphasize the importance of research and development efforts to discover new antibiotics, reducing reliance on existing ones and mitigating the risks of resistance.
Addressing this multifaceted issue requires a collaborative approach involving healthcare professionals, policymakers, the pharmaceutical industry, and the general public. Customized strategies tailored to the specific needs of different regions and healthcare systems are deemed essential in combating antibiotic misuse and safeguarding kidney health.
