There is a saying that the more you use something, the less effective it is. It’s beginning to look like that may be the case when it comes to the use of anti-fungal medications. There are certain diseases that are beginning to show resistance to anti-fungal therapy. With fungi becoming more durable, it’s important to consider what that means for us.
What Does This Mean?
Some fungi have built up resistance to the medications we have used for decades to treat their infection. Many are comparing it to the resistance of certain bacteria to antibiotics. That comparison is fair. With fungi becoming more durable, the two are becoming quite similar.
The study that considered this indicates that the misuse of anti-fungal medication is to blame. This could be through administering dosages that are either too high or too low. It’s also thought that the overuse of antibiotics could also contribute. This is because the good bacteria in our gut decrease with antibiotic use. It makes the gut a good place for fungus to thrive.
What Else Can We Do?
That same study indicates that new medicine is being explored. In particular, the idea of combining different anti-fungal medications. It’s thought that a cocktail of antifungals can make up for each other’s shortcomings with respect to fungal infections.
It’s also important to consider that many fungal diseases tend to target those that have a lower immune system. Maintaining our immune system to the best of our ability may help prevent fungal infections in the first place.
Increasing your vitamin intake may help your immune system. Vitamins C, B6, and E are considered particularly powerful in boosting your immune system. Good hygiene is also useful, as it helps to prevent the spread of any existing fungal infections.
Conclusion
Too much of anything can spoil you from something, which seems to be the case here. Incorrect usage of antifungal medications contributes to fungi becoming more durable. It’s good to know there are other options available to help us until new antifungals are brought to market.
