A slow tsunami, the silent pandemic…alarming phrases used in the medical community to describe the seriousness of antibiotic resistance that should WAKE US ALL UP.
In the modern era of medicine, the ability to treat bacterial infections with antibiotics has been a cornerstone of medical advancements. Now, as antibiotic resistance continues to grow, these drugs we've known and trusted to treat bacterial infections are becoming increasingly ineffective. This concern is so severe that the World Health Organization (WHO) has identified antibiotic resistance as one of the most significant threats to global health.
The Root of the Problem
So what is it all about? Antibiotic resistance occurs when pathogenic bacteria evolve in ways that render the drugs used to cure the infections they cause ineffective. This process occurs naturally over time, but has been significantly accelerated due to the overprescription and misuse of antibiotics in both humans and animals. When antibiotics are prescribed without a clear diagnosis or are used inappropriately, it provides an environment for bacteria to evolve and become resistant. This resistance means that common infections are becoming more challenging to treat. The antibiotics traditionally used for these infections are becoming less effective, leading to prolonged illnesses, complications, and increased mortality rates.
Beyond the health implications, antibiotic resistance also carries a significant economic burden. In Europe alone, complications associated with antibiotic resistance cost an estimated €9 billion annually. With the looming threat of a post-antibiotic world, where even simple infections could become fatal, the economic implications are predicted to grow massively if nothing changes.
Why Are Accurate Diagnostic Tools Important in Combating Antibiotic Resistance?
A significant portion of the unnecessary prescription of antibiotics happens in primary care settings where common infections like sinusitis that are predominantly caused by viruses, are misdiagnosed as being caused by bacteria. In fact, general practitioners issue approximately 90% of all antibiotic prescriptions. Should we start pointing fingers? No. We should offer help.
It is clear that there is a global need for accurate diagnostic tools to combat antibiotic resistance. Orsinus ultrasound device is one of these tools that alleviates uncertainty by simplifying sinusitis diagnosis. These types of point of care tools offer fast and reliable results, allowing for more informed decision-making regarding antibiotic prescriptions. By providing real-time results, Orsinus and similar devices help reduce the diagnosis uncertainty that often leads to antibiotic overprescription and ensure that antibiotics are only prescribed when absolutely necessary.
The Way Forward
The rising tide of antibiotic resistance is not just a medical challenge; it's a global crisis. The WHO emphasizes the need for a global behavioral change in the way antibiotics are prescribed and used. As these drugs we've relied upon for so long begin to lose their power, the need for awareness, research, cooperation and innovative solutions become ever more critical. The medical community, policymakers, and the public at large must come together to address this rising threat and ensure a future where infections are accurately diagnosed so they remain treatable.
It is time we all roll up our sleeves and join our forces. Together we can shape the future of healthcare for all of us.
On behalf of Orcason Medical and our passionate team,
Elias Revonta
Founder & CEO