Antibiotic Management of Common Respiratory Infections Essay

Antibiotic Management of Common Respiratory Infections - Essay Example It is unfortunate and alarming that overuse and misuse of antibiotics is bringing resistance to most of the common bacteria. The misuse of antibiotics stems primarily from the inherent inclination of doctors towards prescribing the latest and potent antibiotics without thorough microbiological, M, C & S examinations. To curb this antibiotic abuse the empirical antibiotic management has become the prime necessity of all hospitals (Hedrick, E). Modification in the treatment is made depending upon the patient's progress and bacterial sensitivities. Antibiotic course is started before the availability of microbiological results based on common conditions, but modifications or changes are made when microbiology results are available. As: Recommendations for initiating Antibiotic therapy: The severity of the condition, possible infecting pathogen(s) and route of administration (preferably oral) are to be considered. Constant monitor of the patient's response and changing the route of drug from IV to OD is essential within 24 hrs. Obvious advantages of OD over IV for ciprofloxacin, metronidazole and co-amoxiclav. Except for the severe disease conditions (bone infection) antibiotic therapy should be carried out maximum for 5 days. Restricted Anti-infective Agents: certain drugs are restricted due to their efficacy, toxicity and cost. Doctors need to work closely with the microbiologists and infectious disease experts to stop the misuse. Aim & Objective: Antibiotic use is associated with increased rates of antibiotic-resistant organism. The present study is carried out to empirically measure antibiotic prescription rates and identify predictors of antibiotic use for adults diagnosed for common respiratory infections as per the guidelines laid on resistance pattern at UHL. Methodology: Antibiotic prescription common respiratory infections University Hospital Lewisham Adult Formulary Summary of Antibacterial Treatment Common Respiratory Infections Date of Examination: Name of the Patient: Age: Physician: Weight: Blood Pressure: Gender: Respiratory rate: Allergies: Diabetes: X-ray Chest: Recommended/ Not recommended Present Medication: Symptoms: Microbiology report: (Microscopy, Culture & Sensitivity) Date: Treatment Prescribed: Result: Antibiotics reduce the normal flora of the body especially digestive tract. C.difficle is a spore forming bacterium which is part of the 'normal' bacteria in the gut of up to 3% of healthy adults. Patients who have been treated with broad spectrum antibiotics are at greatest risk of C.difficle associated disease especially cephalosporin amoxicillin and quinolones (Misuse of Antibiotics). Conclusion: Although antibiotics