Author(s): Yu-Hsuan Huang | Yhu-Chering Huang
Journal: Chang Gung Medical Journal
ISSN 2072-0939
Volume: 28;
Issue: 11;
Start page: 758;
Date: 2005;
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Keywords: upper respiratory tract infections | antibiotic | resistance | children | Taiwan.
ABSTRACT
Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are mostly caused by viruses. Antibiotic misusefor viral URTIs in children is a serious problem that not only results in selection of resistantstrains of bacteria but also wastes millions of dollars each year in Taiwan. Antibioticresistance among common respiratory bacterial pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae,Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Moraxella catarrhalis has becomea major issue for public health. The common cold, acute pharyngotonsillitis, acute otitismedia, acute sinusitis, acute bronchitis, influenza and acute epiglottitis are the most frequentlyencountered acute URTIs in out-patient clinics. This article recommends the judicioususe of antimicrobial agents for these seven common pediatric URTIs, based on localepidemiological data and the recommendations of the Infectious Disease Society of Taiwanand the American Academy of Pediatrics. With education and behavior modification, practitionerswill help to reduce antibiotic overuse, and the goal of reducing antimicrobial resistancemay be accomplished.
Journal: Chang Gung Medical Journal
ISSN 2072-0939
Volume: 28;
Issue: 11;
Start page: 758;
Date: 2005;
VIEW PDF
DOWNLOAD PDF Original pageKeywords: upper respiratory tract infections | antibiotic | resistance | children | Taiwan.
ABSTRACT
Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are mostly caused by viruses. Antibiotic misusefor viral URTIs in children is a serious problem that not only results in selection of resistantstrains of bacteria but also wastes millions of dollars each year in Taiwan. Antibioticresistance among common respiratory bacterial pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae,Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Moraxella catarrhalis has becomea major issue for public health. The common cold, acute pharyngotonsillitis, acute otitismedia, acute sinusitis, acute bronchitis, influenza and acute epiglottitis are the most frequentlyencountered acute URTIs in out-patient clinics. This article recommends the judicioususe of antimicrobial agents for these seven common pediatric URTIs, based on localepidemiological data and the recommendations of the Infectious Disease Society of Taiwanand the American Academy of Pediatrics. With education and behavior modification, practitionerswill help to reduce antibiotic overuse, and the goal of reducing antimicrobial resistancemay be accomplished.
