APPROPRIATE ANTIBIOTIC USE IN PEDIATRIC RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS: BALANCING EFFICACY AND RESISTANCE

Povzetek

Background

 Pneumonia in children is widespread and is subject to antibiotic treatment. Nevertheless, excessive consumption of antibiotics may result in resistance, which makes it difficult to manage and, instead, makes the process more time-consuming. This study will examine the suitability of the use of antibiotics in respiratory infections in children by assessing the effectiveness of treatment, patient-related outcomes, and the effects of antibiotic resistance.

Objectives

The aim of the study was to assess the suitability of the use of antibiotics in the management of respiratory infection among children, the effectiveness of the treatment, and the risk of antibiotic resistance as measured by clinical outcome and diagnostic accuracy.

Methodology

100 pediatric patients who were diagnosed with respiratory infections at Department of Pediatrics Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar From jan 2023 to Dec 2023. Analysis of patient demographics, antibiotic prescriptions, and clinical outcomes was performed by a retrospective chart review. The use of antibiotics was approved with respect to the severity and nature of the infection. Data were processed with the SPSS software, which required the calculation of means, standard deviations, and p-values to evaluate the correlation between the use of antibiotics and patient outcomes. The parents or guardians gave informed consent, and all the participants were given ethical approval.

Results

The mean age of the 100 pediatric patients was 5.8 years (SD = 3.4). Antibiotics were prescribed to 85% of patients, with 60% of these patients having viral infections. Amoxicillin was the most commonly prescribed antibiotic. Inappropriate prescriptions were prevalent, especially for viral infections. Among bacterial infections, 90% showed improvement with appropriate antibiotic treatment, while only 60% of viral infections resolved, despite antibiotic use. A significant difference in symptom resolution was found between appropriate and inappropriate antibiotic use (p < 0.05). Adverse effects such as diarrhea and rash were more common in patients receiving inappropriate antibiotics.

Conclusion

 The article identifies the need for proper use of antibiotics in respiratory infections among children. Excessive use of antibiotics, especially in the treatment of viral diseases, causes long-term symptoms and resistance to antibiotics. Evidence-based practices have the potential to improve the results of treatment, decrease the amount of antibiotics wasted, and eliminate resistance. Healthcare providers should be sensitised to maximise the use of antibiotics and maintain their effectiveness.