Children receive antibiotics too often

Bertelsmann study proves: Children receive antibiotics too often

15.02.2012

Children in Germany are often mistakenly given antibiotics. The drugs are apparently used as a veritable all-purpose weapon, even in diseases such as flu, where the antibiotics no treatment success can be achieved, so the result of a study by the University of Bremen on behalf of the Bertelsmann Foundation.

According to the latest study, about 50 percent of children between the ages of three and six received antibiotics in 2009. The study director Professor dr. Gerd Glaeske from the Center for Social Policy at the University of Bremen also attributes this high proportion to the fact that many parents regard antibiotics as the ultimate drug and the doctors therefore regard this as the ultimate drug „for calming“ to prescribe the parents. in the „ARD television“ The expert explained that prescribing antibiotics in many cases such as „Infections of the upper respiratory tract or middle ear infections (....) Not immediately necessary“ are. Here you can wait two to three days to see if even an antibiotic must be used, said the expert.

Regional differences in antibiotic prescribing
In addition to the prescriptions for antibiotics, which are not absolutely necessary, the study by the Bertelsmann Foundation also shows numerous prescriptions that were clearly unnecessary. For example, some GPs have prescribed antibiotics for viral infections such as flu, although the drugs are antimicrobial and not antiviral. „Viral infections do not help antibiotics“, emphasized Glaeske. Conspicuous, according to Glaeske and colleagues, were also the strong regional differences in prescribing practice. Although the causes are not yet clear, there are indications that in this case the educational level of the parents, the presence of other specialists and the referrals to these play an essential role, said the expert. For example, antibiotic prescriptions are lower in regions with a high proportion of local ENT doctors. „If we have more general practitioners, we have the experience that more antibiotics are also prescribed“, explained Prof. Dr. med. Glaeske opposite the „ARD television“.

False use of antibiotics with consequences
The figures of the current study of the Bertelsmann Foundation make it clear that the now revised guidelines for the prescription of antibiotics do not appear to be sufficiently considered by all physicians. In many cases, the antibiotics are prescribed too recklessly, which in the long run in the worst case means that they gradually lose their effect. The pathogens form resistance and can no longer be treated with the usual antibiotics. Another shocking aspect of the findings of the current study is that some GPs did not respond to diseases that urgently require a prescription of antibiotics. For example, only 60 percent of general practitioners prescribed antibiotics for pneumonia, while 80 percent of pediatricians did.

Interaction between parents and doctor is especially important
Overall, the interaction between parents and doctors plays an essential role in the prescription of antibiotics. Glaeske. The conversation with the doctor is therefore particularly important for the parents to find out whether „really an antibiotic is necessary“, stressed the expert. Fortunately, many parents are now aware of the fact that the prescription of antibiotics is not immediately necessary, but can be waited two to three days to verify the need, added Glaeske. If in doubt, the use of antibiotics could still be started after the short wait. The parents should therefore draw the attention of the doctor in the conversation that they are ready to wait a few days with the prescription of antibiotics, said the expert. The doctors urge Glaeske to adhere urgently to the adapted guidelines, because this is the state of current knowledge and „Current knowledge says there is a whole range of infections that do not need to be treated with antibiotics.“ (Fp)

Also read:
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There are no mild antibiotics
Doctors often prescribe unnecessary antibiotics
Alternatives to antibiotics from naturopathy

Picture credits: Gerd Altmann