Antibiotics And Children Essay, Research Paper
A very important issue concerning the children of today is the excess prescribing of antibiotics and the dangers that are being created. Everyday, more and more children are being prescribed any easy solution to a very tough problem. There is a constant push from pharmaceutical companies, parents, and massive marketing companies to try the next antibiotic remedy, but as we look towards the future and the diseases that can be created by this quick fix, we should turn to our attention to alternatives remedies.
What is so terrible about this situation is that the worst-case scenario of the effects of the mass doses of antibiotics they ingest is an untreatable bacterium that is immune to the treatments we are aware of. That may not sound so bad until you think about the number of children around the world that could die from this bacterium. It would most definitely be a catastrophic event if a portion of the earth?s population at that early of an age were to be erased. It would be a human-induced bubonic plague of the twenty-first century and it is really not that far from becoming a reality.
In a study done in 1992, there were over sixty million different oral antibiotic prescriptions were giving to people under the age of fifteen years old (Napoli). The extensiveness of antibiotic options coupled with their widespread use in pediatric patients highlight the importance of pharmacists having a thorough familiarity with pediatric antibiotic therapy. Also, problems may arise in treating children under the age of two because of their immature immune system, lack of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for pediatric use of many antibiotics and limited data supporting therapy courses of less than ten days (Napoli). Also, an added complication of the treatment of the patient is the willingness, ability to follow the regimen, and the understanding of the importance of completing the therapy.
Before filling the prescription for the appropriate medication, physicians need to be aware of common pediatric infections and their recommended antibiotic therapy. It is important to remember that most upper respiratory infections are viral and that antibiotics would be futile in the attempt to treat such an infection (Berger). This will only strengthen the resistance of bacterial pathogens, limiting the efficacy of the available antibiotic treatments. Common pediatric infections include otitis media (OM), skin and skin-structure infections, pharyngitis, bronchitis and urinary tract infections (UTIs) (Napoli).
Most antibiotic prescriptions that are issued each year go to children under the age of six. This is also the age group that is most susceptible to the high-resistance strain of bacteria (Drugs and Biotech). Recently, bacteria that commonly infect children and adults (like streptococcus pneumonia and staph) have become progressively resistant to antibiotics (Napoli). Widespread, indiscriminate use of antibiotics has created highly resistant bacteria. Some children who could normally be treated with a single course of antibiotics have to be treated with two or more courses. Some who could have been previously treated with an oral antibiotic at home now have to be admitted to hospitals and treated with intravenous antibiotics (More Drugs ?).
Infections with antibiotic resistant bacteria are much more common in high income, white, suburban children under the age of 6, who have received an antibiotic in the last three months and attend childcare (More Drugs ?). These children are much more likely to visit their doctor and are at greater risk of receiving an antibiotic than populations that are medically underserved (Drugs and Biotech).
As stated before, antibiotics are effective only in bacterial infections and not in viral infections. If you take one hundred children with a fever, on average ninety of them will have a viral infection and ten of them a bacterial one (Berger). Unfortunately, antibiotics will do nothing to lessen the symptoms or to hasten the resolution of the viral infections. The problem could be easily solved if the doctors would just explain this to the parents instead of letting them push for more and more antibiotics (More Drugs ?).
In fact, studies show that doctors are more likely to prescribe an antibiotic when the parent pushes for that drug. Parents, on the other hand, say that doctors are not taking the time to explain when children need an antibiotic and when they do not (Peterson). Usually, if doctors are willing to take time to explain the differences between viral and bacterial diseases, parents will be more satisfied with the interaction, and children will be spared the harmful effects of unnecessary antibiotics (More Drugs ?).
In response to the arising question that restricting the use of antibiotics increases the risk of a poor outcome or complications, Dr. Roger A.M.J. Damoiseaux of University Medical Center, Utrecht, Netherlands, and colleagues conducted a trial in which half the children were given amoxicillin, the standard, first-choice antibiotic (Berger). The 240 Dutch children who participated ranged in age from six to twenty-four months. They were randomly divided to take either 40mg of amoxicillin in three divided doses or a placebo for ten days (Berger). This was a double-blind study in which neither the doctors nor the parents were aware of the distribution of medication. Both groups were giving the acetaminophen/decongestant treatment, and the parents were instructed to keep a ten-day diary of ear and gastrointestinal symptoms, the common adverse effects of amoxicillin (Berger).
The results showed that amoxicillin did benefit some children; fever, for example, lasted a median of one day less. More painkillers were giving to placebo takers (a mean of 2.5 doses) during the first three days of illness than in the amoxicillin group (a mean of 1.7 doses). Symptoms persisted at day four in 72% of the children taking placebos, as compared to 59% of those on the antibiotic amoxicillin (Berger).
Pfizer has even taken up residence on Sesame Street, pledging to underwrite the 31st season of the popular children?s show. Starting January of the year 2000, Pfizer has been airing fifteen-second ads at the opening and closing of each episode. But, according to Pat Kelley, Pfizer Senior Vice President, the ads are not ?designed to boost sales of antibiotics? (Peterson).
Pfizer, based of out New York, spends more than any other drug company to advertise to consumers, and it?s marketing efforts have garnered warnings from federal regulators and criticism from doctors (Pfizer). In recent months, the complaints have grown, as state and federal officials have blamed aggressive consumer advertising by drug skyrocketing the cost of drugs (Peterson).
Pfizer, the largest drug company in America, was probably the first in the industry to transform itself so clearly from a research-driven company to one that operates more like Proctor and Gamble, the maker of the detergent Tide (Pfizer). At Pfizer and a growing number of other drug companies, marketing executives, not scientists are in charge. At Pfizer, marketing directors work side by side with the scientists, even from the early development stages on. Always monitoring what the profit margin will be and how they will be able to leverage this prescription in the particular market they were looking for (Pfizer).
They have introduced a massive ad campaign one-fifth larger than normal in the industry and have spent nearly 39% of its sixteen billion in revenue on marketing expenses (Peterson). This just goes to show how much these companies are just trying to push their product onto the consumers as if it was in that situation. These are people that are creating medicine. Unlike a product like soap, these are items that are created with the intent to heal a patient, not be sold to a consumer. Pfizer?s brushes aside the concern. In an interview, Mr. Steers said the company?s ads were helping to improve the public?s health, not only by supplying effective drugs to ailing patients, but also by prompting people long reluctant to go to the doctor to set up appointments (Peterson).
Though we are completely aware of the situation that is at hand, we will probably continue to ignore the issue for as long as possible, most likely until it is too late. This is what we do in this country; we ignore the adverse of effects of something and concentrate on what we believe in our minds as the quick fix remedy. Until they is a mass media campaign explaining the dangers of the over prescription of antibiotics, we will continue to raise the immunity of certain bacteria. But, this will never ever happen because it would hurt the pockets of the drug machines that the economy and we rely upon. Unfortunately, that is the case we will have to live with it.
Другие работы по теме:
Angelas Ashes Essay Research Paper What character
Angelas Ashes Essay, Research Paper What character traits made Malacy the man he is Malachy has a couple of traits that make him the man he is. First he is selfish. Second he is prideful. Lastly he loves his children.
Physical Punishment Essay Research Paper Physical punishment
Physical Punishment Essay, Research Paper Physical punishment has been a problem in hitting their children so they can have discipline or not hitting them because it is not right, so what can parents do and what can they not do? Should the parents hit them to learn discipline, or should they not hit them and figure out another way to make them learn what discipline is?
Plur Essay Research Paper PLURthe land of
Plur Essay, Research Paper P*L*U*R the land of kandykidz, raves & happiness ?Children of the night? children of the night dreding to see daylight it all begins around eleven or
Beloved A Review Essay Research Paper Beloved
Beloved (A Review) Essay, Research Paper Beloved I decided to delve into the issue of slavery in this novel. SETHE, the mother of Beloved, and was owned by the character Schoolteacher . SETHE had three children by another slave. Schoolteachers sons would take her milk so she couldn t feed her children. She grew tired of this mistreatment so she decided to run away.
Race Essay Research Paper CensorshipIn many cities
Race Essay, Research Paper Censorship In many cities in the United States there are few efforts being made to stop the over-use of searing in public and to stop the indecent exposure. Ordinances are being set up to stop swearing in public, but it is not being enforced.
Ritalin Essay Research Paper Ritalin is a
Ritalin Essay, Research Paper Ritalin is a drug used to quell HYPERCATIVE children and perk up the inattentive. Six times as much ritalin was used in 1995 than in 1990
Vbnfg Essay Research Paper Mrs NicholsChoosing to
Vbnfg Essay, Research Paper Mrs. Nichols Choosing to Participate June 14, 2000 Saving the Children Save the Children is an organization that was created to help less fortunate children that have little money for food and clothing. It is a nonprofit association that is working in more than 35 nations to improve the living qualities of the children and their families.
The Internet Essay Research Paper Information has
The Internet Essay, Research Paper Information has long been sought out by many generations throughout time. It is a powerful tool that has often been hard to find, until the evolution of the Internet. The Internet has
Twenty And Ten Essay Research Paper The
Twenty And Ten Essay, Research Paper The name of the book: TWENTY AND TEN THE AUTHOR: CLAIRE HUCHET BISHOP THE PUBLISHER: SCHOLASTIC INC. COPYRIGHT DATE: 1980
Television Harmful Essay Research Paper Is television
Television Harmful Essay, Research Paper Is television harmful to children? I think television is harmful to children, but I mostly think that it isn’t. There are many shows and movies on television that are harmful to children, but there are also many television shows and movies that are not. The biggest influence that television has on children is the violence.
Children 2 Essay Research Paper ChildrenChildhood and
Children 2 Essay, Research Paper Children Childhood and innocence, one in the same in many options. Two young friends playing in the back yard, running after butterflies in the meadow, watching Cinderella or Winnie the Pooh in the living room covered with a blanket. These are some of the pictures that may come to mind when you think of young, innocent child.
What To Expect Essay Research Paper How
What To Expect Essay, Research Paper How much should parents expect from their children? Or more importantly, what should they expect? All parents have their own opinion on the subject whether it’s correct or not. Throughout the world parents are trying to raise their children the best they can, mostly to be like them or possibly better.
Antibiotic Resistance Essay Research Paper Antibiotic ResistanceAntibiotic
Antibiotic Resistance Essay, Research Paper Antibiotic Resistance Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria that cause infection are not killed by the antibiotics taken to stop the infection. The bacteria survive and continue to multiply causing more harm. Widespread use of antibiotics promotes the spread of antibiotic resistance.
Antibiotics Essay Research Paper 46 Antibiotics
Antibiotics Essay, Research Paper 46. Antibiotics Antibiotics are chemical compounds used to kill or inhibit the growth of infectious organisms. Originally the term antibiotic referred only to organic compounds, produced by bacteria or molds, that are toxic to other microorganisms. The term is now used loosely to include synthetic and semisynthetic organic compounds.
Seven Kids Essay Research Paper Seven Kids
Seven Kids Essay, Research Paper ?Seven Kids Found in Squalor? A story of seven children being neglected brings a slew of negative emotions as a reader. This story of how Chicago police found seven children in an apartment in conditions that was less than ideal for children to live in. With only a carton of milk and the apartment being a rat-infested hole.
Tv On Children Essay Research Paper Title
Tv On Children Essay, Research Paper Title: Tv On Children Category: Personal Essay Description: Body Of Paper: The Real World Television Can Harm Young Children By Showing Too Much Violence. There’s One Program That Really Does T
Bacteria Essay Research Paper True cells
Bacteria Essay, Research Paper True cells with a wall, membrane, cytoplasm, ribosomes and DNA. No distinct nucleus DNA not incorporated in chromosomes but comprising a single, circular strand Bacteria
Medea Essay Research Paper Medea
Medea Essay, Research Paper Medea’s plan is to kill Jason’s new bride and his two children she had bore for him and then flee for Athens. The chorus tries to console Medea and tell her not to do such horrid things to other people particularly her children. Medea ignores their request and is stuck with the decision of whether or not to kill her children.
Commercialism In Schools Essay Research Paper Commercialism
Commercialism In Schools Essay, Research Paper Commercialism affects children everyday. Children are targeted by companies to become life-long buyers of their products. When commercialism is brought into schools it is harder for children to learn to make educated decisions about their purchases. Kids need to be educated and given proper instructions about how to be objective towards advertisements.
Antibiotic Resistance Essay Research Paper Darwins theory
Antibiotic Resistance Essay, Research Paper Darwin?s theory of evolution can be explained like this; the environment acts as a selective agent, weeding out organisms less able to survive. Darwin described natural selection as a process in which organisms become better adapted to their environment. The organisms that evolved with beneficial variations are more likely to survive and reproduce, they pass on the favorable genetic material.
Children And Violence Essay Research Paper JuvenilesChildren
Children And Violence Essay, Research Paper Juveniles Children and violence, were does it start? Some experts say that children from violent environments at home are more likely to commit crimes then others. Some very young children will witness crime at the home and think that it is ok, not knowing what is right and wrong.
The Childhood Essay Research Paper It has
The Childhood Essay, Research Paper It has been noted that people consider their childhood as a nostalgic period. The childhood is one of the three main stages of life: childhood, adolescence, and adult age. Childhood might be the nostalgic period but is it the happiest? In this paper we shall demonstrate that childhood could be considered as the happiest period.
Scrooge Essay Research Paper Ignorance
Scrooge Essay, Research Paper Ignorance & Want In the famous story A Christmas Carol, the Ghost said to Scrooge “”These are your children Ignorance and Want.” as he opened his robe to reveal two small unfortunate poverty stricken children. By this, the ghost meant that because of the cruelty of the world and irresponsibility, these innocent children must suffer.
Raising Children Essay Research Paper When I
Raising Children Essay, Research Paper When I gave birth to my children I thought I had gone through the toughest part of having children. When anyone talks about having children, they
Child Abuse Essay Research Paper Child AbuseWhy
Child Abuse Essay, Research Paper Child Abuse Why do some people feel the need to commit child abuse? Child abuse is something that affects many children in the U.S. It is not something to be taken lightly or to be over looked. Those people who commit abuse against children are people who are mentally unstable and are dangerous to society.
Bacterial Resistance Essay Research Paper Bacterial resistance
Bacterial Resistance Essay, Research Paper Bacterial resistance is a problem that has profoundly impacted the medical community. Bacterial resistance results when bacteria become resistant to individual antibiotics through the development of specific defense mechanisms which render the antibiotic ineffective.
Child Abuse Essay Research Paper Child AbuseIn
Child Abuse Essay, Research Paper Child Abuse In this country the problem of child abuse is very serious. Child abuse can happen to almost any child. The abuser and the child may seem