Which health issue can prolonged antibiotic use lead to?

Prolonged antibiotic use can lead to antibiotic resistance, which is a significant public health concern. This phenomenon occurs when bacteria evolve in response to the pressure of antibiotic treatment, allowing them to survive and multiply even in the presence of these drugs. Over time, the more antibiotics are used, particularly when they are unnecessary or misused, the higher the likelihood that resistant strains of bacteria will emerge. This impacts the effectiveness of antibiotics, making it more challenging to treat infections and leading to longer illness durations, increased medical costs, and higher risks of severe complications.

In contrast, other health issues such as lowered blood pressure, increased energy levels, and a higher risk of infections might be associated with various factors in clinical settings but are not directly caused by the prolonged use of antibiotics. While it's true that antibiotic use can disrupt normal flora and potentially lead to secondary infections, antibiotic resistance is a primary and well-documented consequence of extended or inappropriate antibiotic therapy.