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I question the usefulness of this article on reducing antibiotic usage in
"lower repiratory tract infections".
I, like 30% of the population, tend to get chest symptoms with viral
infections.
If these symptoms, usually a cough, get sufficiently troublesome I know they
will settle with anti-asthma treatment including if necessary a steroid
inhaler. If I also happen to feel unwell or have purulent phlegm I can also
add antibiotics.
Fortunately as a doctor I can arrange this treatment for myself and my
patients.
Viral infections can cause inflammatory reactions in the bronchi, and it
is these and the symptoms they cause that need treatment. Antibiotics are
only infreqently needed in the usually healthy.
Treat according to symptoms
Sir
I question the usefulness of this article on reducing antibiotic usage in
"lower repiratory tract infections".
I, like 30% of the population, tend to get chest symptoms with viral
infections.
If these symptoms, usually a cough, get sufficiently troublesome I know they
will settle with anti-asthma treatment including if necessary a steroid
inhaler. If I also happen to feel unwell or have purulent phlegm I can also
add antibiotics.
Fortunately as a doctor I can arrange this treatment for myself and my
patients.
Viral infections can cause inflammatory reactions in the bronchi, and it
is these and the symptoms they cause that need treatment. Antibiotics are
only infreqently needed in the usually healthy.
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests: No competing interests