[Efficacy of antibiotics in frequently occurring airway infections in family practice]

Abstract

Dutch prescription percentages of antibiotics for respiratory tract infections in general practice are relatively low compared with international figures. Moreover the spectrum of different kinds of antibiotics is rather limited compared with for instance the USA. The results of recent RCTs and the guidelines of the Dutch College of General Practitioners are a firm scientific basis for a restrictive prescription behaviour. Antibiotics are in general only indicated in risk groups (young children and the elderly). Patients accept withholding of antibiotics better than doctors expect. Comparison of data of a nationwide study in general practice in a period just before the publication of these guidelines with estimated evidence-based prescription percentages shows that the actual behaviour was not in line with the state of the art. This is especially true of acute bronchitis and rhinosinusitis and to a lesser extent of sore throat.