Role of usage of antibiotics in pharyngitis: a prospective study

Abstract

Background: Antibiotic resistance is emerging as a global public health problem and is growing day by day in both developed and developing countries. This study aims at scientific investigation into the need for the use of antibiotics in cases of pharyngitis.

Methods: A prospective study of 2000 patients complaining of sore throat, randomly selected from outpatient department during 1 year period from August 2015 – 2016 .They were studied clinically and investigated for infectious etiology and the role of usage of antibiotics was analysed.  

Results: Among 2000 patients, 1840 patients were relieved of sorethroat with only symptomatic treatment. Antibiotics were given only in 160 patients (8%) as throat swab demonstrated bacterial growth. Most common organisms were Group A beta haemolytic Streptococci and E coli. Allergic pharyngitis and laryngo pharyngeal reflux disease constituted the important causes of sore throat among middle age groups (20-40 years) and elderly age groups (50-60 years) respectively.

Conclusions: Antibiotics should not be given to patients unless there is documentary evidence of bacterial infection. Most of the patients (92%) did not require antibiotic prescription, the illness was self-limiting in acute cases and patients who demonstrated allergic and laryngo-pharyngeal reflux etiology required symptomatic medication. Inadvertent use of antibiotics will lead to spread of resistance in the community; this will limit the usage of higher antibiotics for complicated cases and ICU patients. This highlights opportunity to enhance physician‘s awareness for reducing inadvertent use of antibiotics among adult pharyngitis patients and optimizing Antibiotic therapy usage.