Concerns Raised Over Antibiotic Use Following Death of Egyptian Bride
The tragic death of a bride in Nasr City, Egypt, has reignited discussions about the excessive and unregulated use of antibiotics in the country.
Medical reports indicate that her death resulted from taking an antibiotic without medical supervision, highlighting the serious health risks associated with such practices.
* Unique Situation in Egypt
Dr. Mohamed Abdel Wahab, the head of the liver transplant team at Mansoura University, stated that the rampant overuse of antibiotics in Egypt is unparalleled globally.
He noted that while many countries restrict the sale of these medications to those with a valid prescription, in Egypt, antibiotics can be easily obtained from pharmacies, often without any prescription required.
Dr. Abdel Wahab emphasized that this indiscriminate use has led to a decline in the effectiveness of antibiotics against infections, warning of the potential health implications. He has called on the Ministry of Health to implement strict regulations to prevent the sale of antibiotics without prescriptions and to enhance oversight of pharmacies.
* Health Risks of Antibiotic Misuse
Abdel Wahab cautioned that antibiotics can have significant side effects, particularly affecting the liver and kidneys, as well as disrupting the intestinal mucosa. This can lead to fungal overgrowth in the digestive system and chronic diarrhea with no identifiable cause.
Research has also suggested that antibiotics may negatively impact spinal cord health.
* Allergies and Resistance Issues
Dr. Jamal Shaaban, former dean of the National Heart Institute, noted that patients may experience severe allergic reactions due to antibiotic use. He stressed the importance of conducting allergy tests in hospitals rather than outpatient settings to ensure patient safety.
Shaaban further explained that the overuse of antibiotics has contributed to the emergence of resistant bacterial strains, which threaten the effectiveness of treatments and may even lead to liver failure.
He concluded by warning that antibiotic overuse can lead to a gradual deterioration of health, advocating for stricter regulations on their use and encouraging their administration solely in hospital settings.
