Reminding Your Patients About Upper Respiratory Infections and Bronchitis

We are nearing the time of the year that sneezing, runny noses, and coughing begins.  It is important to educate your patients on when these illnesses are viral and can be treated with supportive measures and may need antibiotics.

Remind your patients that viruses (such as the common cold) are frequently the cause of upper respiratory infections and bronchitis. According to the Centers for Disease Control, you should have your patients come in for a check-up when the following symptoms are present:

  • Temperature 100.4 F (38 C) or higher
  • Coughing with bloody mucus
  • Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or fast breathing
  • Symptoms lasting more than three weeks
  • Symptoms such as cough or runny nose that get better then worsen
  • Infants under three months of age with a fever 100.4 F (38C) or higher
  • Dehydration
  • Worsening of any chronic medical conditions
  • Repeated episodes of symptoms

Since overprescribing antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, it is important to know that antibiotics are not always needed when treating patients with these symptoms.

For more information about treatment for upper respiratory infections, bronchitis, and antibiotic usage, please visit the Centers for Disease Control Antibiotic Prescribing and Use website at https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/ .

 

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