Air pollution is a factor in increasing antibiotic resistance. This is happening all across the globe and effecting many lives. Antibiotic resistance is an increasing health threat to everyone, everywhere. In fact, this highly dangerous occurrence has taken at least 1.27 million people’s lives worldwide. In fact, antibiotic resistance can become untreatable, and in some cases and become fatal. Antibiotic resistance can affect anyone of all ages.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics have the purpose of fighting off the bacteria harming humans and animals’ bodies. In addition, the antibiotics kill off the bacteria or they make it more difficult for the bacteria to multiply. Although antibiotics are made to better the body, they can also possibly damage it. In some cases, what can happen is over prescribing antibiotics. This can lead to worsening and, in come cases, become untreatable. For example, over prescribing antibiotics causes unpleasant side effects and can even worsen the infection or illness being treated.
Moreover, antibiotics also come with side effects regardless if they become ineffective. The side effects can range from very severe symptoms to mild symptoms. The more severe symptoms can be allergic reactions, which can be life threatening.
Also another severe side effect possible is Clostridiodes difficille infection. This infection causes diarrhea that may lead to colon damage and unfortunately become fatal. Therefore, it is very important to be provided with the correct medicine according to your condition. Also taking the right dosage is utmost crucial.
Air Pollution
Throughout the years, air pollution has risen in numbers faster every year. Along with the increase in air pollution. An increase in sickness, like infections and diseases, has spread more and more. On top of this, air pollution has been the most damaging to public health and an urgent environmental crisis.
For a long time the air pollution has continued to increase the possibility of diseases like asthma, lung cancer, and heart diseases. Air pollution is caused when toxic and destructive chemicals are released into the air from factories, vehicles, forest fires, etc. These toxic chemicals are being breathed in by everyone and spreading disease.
Antibiotic Resistance
Antibiotic resistance occurs when antibiotics fail to be effective in treating infections due to bacteria gaining the capacity to fend it off and continue to survive. In addition, antibiotic resistance affects around 2.8 million patients in the United States each year. How can this be spread so widely?
Antibiotic-resistant organisms are found in humans, animals, food, and plants. This means it can be spread from person to person also animals can spread to humans. Food made from animals is one way it can be spread. Research has also found that the misuse and overuse of antibiotics is a primary cause for the resistance.
Prevention
How can we prevent this occurrence? Well, first off, it is important that proper hygiene is implemented daily. Also, for both humans and animals, the lack of clean water and healthy food is a major problem and reason for disease.
The lack of awareness and knowledge towards self care and mediations drives up the number of cases for antibiotic resistance and other diseases. The lack of knowledge results in people misusing medication, or very often resort to self medicating. In conclusion, taking safety percussions such as getting vaccinated, hygiene, and using protection are very important.
Written by Meredith Garcia
Resources
The Guardian: Air pollution linked to rise in antibiotic resistance that imperils human health
CDC: Antimicrobial Resistance
WHO: Antimicrobial Resistance
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