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. 2003 Nov;93(11):1910-4.
doi: 10.2105/ajph.93.11.1910.

Trends in antimicrobial prescribing for bronchitis and upper respiratory infections among adults and children

Arch G Mainous 3rd  1 , William J Hueston, Matthew P Davis, William S Pearson
Affiliations

Trends in antimicrobial prescribing for bronchitis and upper respiratory infections among adults and children

Arch G Mainous 3rd et al. Am J Public Health. 2003 Nov.

Abstract

Objectives: This study examined antimicrobial prescribing patterns for adults and children with bronchitis or upper respiratory infections (URIs) before and after release of nationally disseminated pediatric practice recommendations.

Methods: Data from the 1993, 1995, 1997, and 1999 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey were used to evaluate prescriptions for antimicrobials for URIs and bronchitis.

Results: From 1993 to 1999, the proportion of children receiving antimicrobials after visits for URIs and bronchitis decreased. However, the use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials rose from 10.6% of bronchitis visits to 40.5%. Prescriptions of antimicrobials for adults with URIs or bronchitis showed a decrease between 1993 and 1999.

Conclusions: Although antimicrobial prescribing for URIs and bronchitis has decreased for both children and adults, the prescribing of broad-spectrum antibiotics among children has shown a proportional rise.

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Figures

FIGURE 1—
FIGURE 1—
Visits by children who had upper respiratory infection/common cold and received any antibiotics or broad spectrum antibiotics.
FIGURE 2—
FIGURE 2—
Visits by children with acute bronchitis/bronchitis not otherwise specified who received any antibiotics or broad spectrum antibiotics.
FIGURE 3—
FIGURE 3—
Visits by adults with upper respiratory infection/common cold who received any antibiotics or broad spectrum antibiotics.
FIGURE 4—
FIGURE 4—
Visits by adults with acute bronchitis/bronchitis not otherwise specified who received any antibiotics or broad spectrum antibiotics.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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