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08:33

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Published on: November 17, 2018

Antibiotics and the adult sore throat--an unnecessary ceremony

M J Herz1

  • 1Notrim Clinic, Ra'anana, Israel.

Family Practice
|September 1, 1988
PubMed

Insights

Antibiotic treatment for sore throats does not prevent complications and increases doctor visits, particularly in young men. Patients showed equal compliance with both high and low antibiotic prescribing policies.

Area of Science:

  • General Practice
  • Infectious Disease
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Antibiotic overprescription for sore throats is common due to diagnostic challenges and perceived efficacy.
  • The placebo effect of antibiotics also contributes to their widespread use.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of antibiotic prescribing for sore throats on patient outcomes and healthcare utilization.
  • To compare the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment versus symptomatic treatment for sore throats.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial involving 200 adult patients presenting with sore throats to a general practitioner.
  • Patients were assigned to either antibiotic treatment or symptomatic treatment groups.
  • Follow-up involved checking patient records for return visits with respiratory complaints after six months.

Main Results:

  • Patients receiving antibiotics had significantly more return visits for respiratory problems compared to those receiving symptomatic treatment.
  • Young men were particularly noted to have a higher rate of return visits after antibiotic prescription.
  • Patient compliance was similar regardless of whether a high or low antibiotic prescribing policy was followed.

Conclusions:

  • Antibiotic treatment for sore throats does not prevent complications for patients.
  • High antibiotic prescribing rates increase physician workload due to higher patient return rates.
  • Patient adherence is not significantly affected by prescribing policies.

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