Prescription pattern and appropriateness of antibiotics in the management of cough/cold or respiratory disorders

Objective: This study aims to assess the prescribing patterns and appropriateness of antibiotics in treating cough/cold and diarrhea in children. Given that infants and children are highly vulnerable to illnesses, the objective focuses on analyzing the types and appropriateness of antibiotics prescribed by healthcare professionals.
Methods: The study involved analyzing the prescriptions of pediatric patients diagnosed with cough, cold, respiratory, and gastrointestinal diseases. The analysis focused on the types of drugs, particularly antibiotics, prescribed for these conditions.
Results: The study found that baby girls are more susceptible to colds and coughs than boys, with infants aged 0 to 2 being particularly affected, likely due to improper care and winter exposure. Respiratory and gastrointestinal issues emerged as the most prevalent health concerns among pediatric patients, with cough and cold accounting for 33.3% of cases, highlighting a significant issue with upper respiratory tract infections. A high frequency of antibiotic prescriptions was observed, especially cefixime and amoxicillin, which are often irrationally prescribed for viral infections like the common cold.
Conclusion: Respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders are the most common issues among pediatric patients, with upper respiratory tract infections being particularly prevalent. The study identified a concerning trend of irrational antibiotic prescriptions, especially for viral infections such as the common cold. The findings call for improved prescribing practices to ensure antibiotics are used appropriately and only when necessary, emphasizing the need for evidence-based treatments to enhance patient safety and public health outcomes