Appropriate antibiotic use: family physicians have the power of the pen.

摘要

In this issue of American Family Physician, Zoorob and colleagues summarize guidelines for the treatment of acute upper respiratory tract infections (URIs).1 Visits for acute URIs account for more than one-half of all antibiotic prescriptions for outpatients, and these infections lead to more unnecessary and inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions than any other infectious syndrome. All antibiotic use, whether indicated or not, exerts selective pressure on bacteria that can lead to resistance. Studies have shown that geographic areas with high antibiotic prescribing rates also tend to have a higher prevalence of antibiotic-resistant infections.57 Every antibiotic prescription matters. Given their continuity of care, family physicians are well poised to minimize the spread of antibiotic resistance by practicing antibiotic stewardship and educating patients about the importance of using antibiotics appropriately.