Abstract

TREATMENT PATTERN IN RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY ON PAEDIATRIC POPULATION

Y. Sneha Priya, K. Prathyusha, K. Narahari and Dr. P. Kishore*

ABSTRACT

This study is conducted to identify the incidence and type of respiratory tract infections in children. To analyse the treatment patterns and pharmacological management of respiratory tract infection in children. This is prospective-observational study carried out at a pediatric clinic, Warangal for a period of four months from December to March (winter season). The study was approved by Institutional Ethical Committee. Overall 1400 patients data was collected and following results were obtained. Demographic details, social status, eating habits, treatment and comorbid conditions information was collected from patients. Among 1400 paediatric population, 17.64% were suffering from ARTI, 38.07% from AURTI, 6.78% are suffering from ALRTI, 7.64% are suffering from ARTI+OTHERS, 3.07% are came for Immunization and 26.78% are suffering from various reasons. The most commonly used antibiotics were amoxicillin, azithromycin, clotrimazole, colistin, and cephalosporin. Amoxicillin was the widely used antibiotic and highest percentage of amoxicillin use was observed at the age of 3.3-5 years of age i.e. 33%. Second choice of drug was azithromycin. We found that URTI is more commonly seen than other type of RTI. Symptomatic treatment is better for paediatric patients. Antibiotics are preferred only in patients who are clinically identified and confirmed suffering with bacterial infections. Penicillins (Amoxicillin) remains as a safe and effective antibiotic for treating respiratory tract infections in children.

Keywords: paediatrics, respiratory tract infections, pharmacological management, antibiotics.