It is necessary to reduce the use of antibiotics as much as possible, stated the chief specialist in infectious diseases at Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, Uga Dumpis, in an interview for the Latvian Television program "Morning Panorama," writes LETA.
According to Dumpis, the more antibiotics are used, the faster bacteria develop resistance against them, meaning that bacteria create a protective mechanism against the drugs.
"Therefore, we need to reduce the use of antibiotics as much as possible within safe limits, as they certainly save lives," emphasized the specialist.
He pointed out that, according to calculations, in outpatient settings – outside of hospitals – antibiotic consumption in Latvia could be reduced by 20–30%, and in hospitals – by at least 10–20%.
Dumpis noted that this is largely the responsibility of the physician, but there should also be interest in this issue from patients. He explained that a doctor can refer a patient for an X-ray or tests electronically, as well as prescribe medication. He urged, for example, to observe whether the temperature persists the next day before starting antibiotic treatment.
"This way, there are more opportunities to use antibiotics only when truly necessary," he noted.
The specialist acknowledged that antibiotic resistance is a global problem, and in some countries, it is significantly more pronounced.
When asked if there is a way out of this situation, a "way back," Dumpis replied that, unfortunately, in hospitals, the term "pre-antibiotic era" is sometimes used – when bacteria spread for which there are no available antibiotics. And new antibiotics, if they do appear, cost 100 times more, and resistance also develops against them.
He added that "in Latvia, it is not yet so critical," but it is necessary to act more wisely.
