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HomeYour HealthManaging Your HealthDr KrishanThe Dixie and Dr Krishan Podcast: Episode 4 – Let’s talk about antibiotics The Dixie and Dr Krishan Podcast

Episode 4 – Let’s talk about antibiotics 

Published: Nov 8, 2023
Authored by Dr. Krishan

In an era where information is readily available at our fingertips, staying informed about healthcare choices has become increasingly important. Dixie Crawford and Dr. Krishan have joined forces to host an engaging 7-part podcast series to talk all things healthcare, wellbeing and wellness.

Dive into this episode to learn about the basics of antibiotics and the growing concern of antibiotic resistance. Information provided in this episode is intended as a guide only and does not replace advice provided by your healthcare professional.

Get to know your hosts:

Dixie CrawfordDixie is a proud Barkindji woman from Brewarrina (in north-west NSW, Australia) lives on Ngunnawal country.  She is the Founder and Managing Director of First Nations community engagement consultancy, Nganya.Dr. Krishan ThiruDr. Krishan is a proud dad, husband, and soccer coach at his children’s local primary school. He has a background in hospital medicine and community health, with experience in general practice and working with Aboriginal communities. Dr. Krishan is passionate about patient-centered care and empowering individuals to take control of their health. He is also the Medical Director for Pfizer Australia and New Zealand. 

These podcasts are frank and open conversations indented to help inform and empower First Nations people and the community with facts and information about everyday health concerns, like how to talk to your doctor about your health questions, and the health checks we need at every stage of life.

In this episode, Dr. Krishan and Dixie Crawford discuss the basics of antibiotics and the growing concern of antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics are medications used to treat bacterial infections by killing or stopping the growth of bacteria. Common bacterial infections that antibiotics are effective in treating include strep throat, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and skin infections. However, antibiotic resistance is becoming more common and poses a serious problem. Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria evolve to protect themselves from antibiotics, making it harder to treat infections. It is estimated that more than 10,000 Australians will die as a result of antimicrobial resistance between 2015 and 2050.1 To prevent antibiotic resistance, it is important to only use antibiotics when necessary and to complete the full treatment course as prescribed. Additionally, practicing good hygiene and minimising the spread of infections can help prevent the need for antibiotics in the first place.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Antibiotics are medications used to treat bacterial infections by killing or stopping the growth of bacteria.
  2. Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria evolve to protect themselves from antibiotics, making it harder to treat infections.
  3. It is estimated that more than 10,000 Australians will die as a result of antimicrobial resistance between 2015 and 2050.1
  4. To prevent antibiotic resistance, only use antibiotics when necessary and complete the full treatment course as prescribed.
  5. Practicing good hygiene and minimizing the spread of infections can help prevent the need for antibiotics.

“If you stop taking your antibiotics just because you feel better, what can happen is that there may be a few bacteria that are still in your body”

Dr. Krishan Thiru

References

  1. AURA 2021: Fourth Australian report on antimicrobial use and resistance in human health (safetyandquality.gov.au). Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. Available from: https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/our-work/antimicrobial-resistance/antimicrobial-use-and-resistance-australia-surveillance-system/aura-2021. Accessed 12/08/23.

External Resources

- Visit Nganya and learn more about initiatives and work from Dixie and her team https://nganya.com.au/

-Dive into the Australian Government’s resource collection: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/collections/annual-health-check-for-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-people-resource-collection?language=en 

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