Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 5, 2026

Microbiological Rapid On-Site Evaluation for Pulmonary Infectious Diseases
Published on: March 1, 2024
[Management of lower respiratory tract infections by general practitioners in France]
A Taytard1, J P Daures, P Arsac
1Service de Pneumologie, CHU de Bordeaux. andre.taytard@chu-aquitaine.fr
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to describe the diagnostic and therapeutic strategies used by general practitioners (GPs) in patients with lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI).
Methods:
Four hundred fifty GPs practicing in France participated in the study; they included 804 patients. The GP recorded social and demographic data and their prescription on a data sheet and responded to a phone questionnaire about their strategy.
Results:
Most of the LRTI were acute bronchitis (72%); pneumonia and acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis were observed respectively in 11% of the patients recruited. Diagnostic criteria used by the GPs were generally auscultation signs in patients with fever, cough and expectoration. Specialized advice (always a chest physician) and hospitalization were exceptional. Prescription of complementary exams was strongly related to the diagnosis of pneumonia (OR = 33.3; CI0.95: 15.48-70.4). Sick leaves were related to general symptoms (fever, asthenia). Antibiotics were prescribed in 95.7% of the patients, mainly aminopenicillin (40.4%) and macrolides (33.2%). Nonsteroidal or steroidal antiinflammatory drugs were prescribed in 72.5% of the patients irrespective of the LRTI diagnosis.
Discussion:
The fact that GPs do not often refer patients to specialists or order hospitalization confirms their important role in setting up recommendations. It would also be necessary to develop an education program on better use of antibiotics targeted to GPs and patients.
Related Concept Videos
Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract
Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed.
Pneumonia IV: Management
Bacterial Pneumonia Treatment
For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics serve as the cornerstone of therapy. Initial treatment often begins with empirical antibiotics, tailored to the anticipated causative organism and adjusted based on culture results. Key antibiotic choices include:
Common Respiratory Disorders
Upper respiratory disorders impact the airways above the vocal cords, encompassing areas like the nose, sinuses, and throat. Various conditions fall under this category, including the common cold and allergic rhinitis. These disorders can stem from several causes,...
Drugs Used in Lower Respiratory Disorders: Overview
Bronchodilators, the first step of respiration enhancement, come in various forms, each with its own mechanism...
Pneumonia I: Introduction
