A study of non-prescription usage of antibiotics in the upper respiratory tract infections in the urban population
Sangeeta Bhanwra1★★ Corresponding author
- 1Faculty of Medicine, Kerala University, India.
- 2S. B. College of Pharmacy, Anaikuttam‑626130, Sivakasi, Tamilnadu, India.
- 3Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Palode, Thiruvananthapuram, India.
Volume 4, Issue 1 · pp. 62–64 · PUBLISHED 2013 · DOI: 10.4103/0976-500X.107687
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ABSTRACT
In recent years the use and the overuse of antibiotics to treat Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTIs) has resulted in the development of resistance patterns across widespread areas. Most URTIs are self‑limiting viral infections due to rhinovirus, para‑influenza virus, corona virus and adenovirus and resolve without prescription drugs. There is sufficient evidence to support the viral origin of most of these illnesses. However, even some of the bacterial illnesses are also self‑limiting and antibiotic treatment is unnecessary. Acute bacterial sinusitis develops in 0.5‑2% of cases of viral URTI. Recognizing viral or bacterial diseases (for which specific therapy is available) is important. Therapy addressing specific symptoms is the mainstay for most URTIs (viral). Antibiotics have no role in the management of common cold or any mild URTI except when it is due to bacterial infections like streptococcal pharyngitis, bacterial sinusitis, epiglottitis, pertussis or diphtheria
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Bhanwra, S. (2013). A study of non-prescription usage of antibiotics in the upper respiratory tract infections in the urban population. Journal of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics, 4(1), 62–64. https://doi.org/10.4103/0976-500X.107687