Appropriate use of antibiotics for respiratory infections: review of recent statements and position papers.
Respiratory infections are among the most common reasons for prescribing antibiotics. The excessive use of antibiotics in ambulatory practice has contributed to the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance. The appropriate use of antimicrobial agents for respiratory infections could potentially reduce the emergence of antibiotic resistance. This article reviews recent guidelines and position papers on the appropriate antibiotic treatment for respiratory infections. There is a wide consensus that antibiotics are not appropriate for the treatment of most cases of acute bronchitis, pharyngitis, and rhinosinusitis. The recently published community-acquired pneumonia guidelines emphasized the importance of selecting antibiotic regimens active against both typical and atypical pathogens. However, there is disagreement regarding the routine use of the new quinolones.
Ben-David
Debby
D
The Infectious Diseases Unit, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Aviv University School of Medicine, Tel Hashomer, Israel.
Rubinstein
Ethan
E
D000553:Ambulatory Care; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D024881:Drug Resistance, Bacterial; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic / Q000592:standards; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents