Volume 13 Issue 3 September 2004
Appropriate management of lower respiratory tract infections in primary care
Page 159-166
Charles Feldman
Abstract
Respiratory tract symptoms are one of the major
reasons for consultations with general practitioners. Most patients
present because of symptoms that distress them or their family, or for
reassurance that the symptoms do not represent something serious, or in
order to receive medication. Many patients believe that their symptoms
are due to an infection and expect to receive an antibiotic. These
expectations influence the doctor's prescribing such that many patients
will receive antibiotics even if the general practitioner considers
these not to be required. This article describes the principles of
rational antibiotic prescribing for lower respiratory tract infections
in primary care, including disorders such as acute bronchitis, acute
exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and
community-acquired pneumonia.
Cite as: Feldman C. Appropriate management of lower respiratory tract infections in primary care. Prim Care Respir J 2004;13(3):159-166. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.pcrj.2004.02.006
Key words
General practice; Primary care; Pneumonia; Exacerbations; COPD; Acute bronchitis; LRTIs; Lower respiratory tract infections
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