Steep rise in antibiotic use for coughs and colds

ConclusionThis cross-sectional study has found the proportion of people with coughs and colds that are prescribed antibiotics rose from 36% in 1999 to 51% in 2011 – an increase of approximately 40%. This is despite the publication of guidance recommending that GPs do not prescribe antibiotics for coughs and colds. It also found substantial variation between different GP practices, with 10% of practices prescribing antibiotics for less than 32% of cases and 10% of practices prescribing antibiotics for more than 65% of cases, suggesting that substantially lower rates of prescribing could be achieved.The study also looked at antibiotic prescription for sore throats, UTIs and otitis media. Antibiotic prescription for sore throats fell, and prescription of recommended antibiotics increased. Over the study period, more women with UTIs were prescribed the recommended short course of antibiotics. For otitis media, the proportion of cases that were prescribed an antibiotic was broadly unchanged, and prescriptions for recommended antibiotics rose.There was variation between GP practices in antibiotic prescription for these conditions, suggesting that further improvements in antibiotic prescription could be made. In conclusion, this study suggests there is a need to improve the way antibiotics are prescribed.Analysis by Bazian. Edited by NHS Choices. Follow Behind the Headlines on Twitter. Join the Healthy Evidence forum. Links To The Headlines New figures reveal soaring use of an...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Medical practice Medication Source Type: news