Call to restrict antibiotic use in urine infections
Doctors in Scotland have been advised to reduce the amount of antibiotics used to treat urine infections such as cystitis and other bladder infections.
The step is being recommended in an effort to stop the growth of superbugs that are resistant to treatment.
The over-use of antibiotics has been widely blamed for the emergence of resistant infections such as MRSA.
Antibiotics to treat a urine infection should only be given to pregnant women and to patients with symptoms.
Elderly people in nursing homes and hospitals are often routinely tested for urinary tract infections and are repeatedly given antibiotics; however, doctors are being told that this does more harm than good.
Many older people carry bacteria in their urinary system without developing any problems but are regularly given antibiotics.
The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (Sign) has developed the guidance for the NHS.
Unless there is clear evidence that the bacteria have invaded the tissues of the urinary tract then antibiotic treatment does more harm than good.
Pregnant women were an important exception to the rule. In this situation the benefits of antibiotic treatment far outweigh the risks, preventing life threatening infections and reducing the risk of premature delivery.
Statistics show about 20% of pregnant women experience urinary tract infection (UTI) symptoms, with the consequences being more serious than in non-pregnant women.
Pregnant women should be viewed as an exception and should be routinely screened for bacteria in the urine and treated before symptoms develop.
Older people can carry bacteria in their urine without any symptoms or signs of infection, and 50% of nursing home residents may have bacteria in their urine all the time.
Experts believe treating these patients when they do not have UTI symptoms increased the risk of rashes, vomiting, diarrhoea and antibiotic resistant bacteria.
If you would like more information on a home test for urine infections please click here.
