Name of the Procedure:

Antibiotic Prescribed or Dispensed for Upper Respiratory Infection (URI), Pharmacological (PHAR), (A-BRONCH)

Summary

This procedure involves a healthcare provider prescribing or dispensing antibiotics to treat bacterial infections in the upper respiratory tract, such as bronchitis.

Purpose

The goal is to eliminate bacterial pathogens causing the infection, alleviate symptoms, and prevent complications. Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections and not viral ones.

Indications

• Persistent cough
• Sputum production
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Breathlessness
• Confirmed or highly suspected bacterial infection based on clinical evaluation

Preparation

• No special preparation is generally required.
• Inform your healthcare provider of any allergies or medications you are currently taking.
• Diagnostic tests like a chest X-ray or sputum culture may be performed to confirm a bacterial infection.

Procedure Description

1. Evaluation: The healthcare provider evaluates the patient's symptoms and medical history.
2. Prescription: An appropriate antibiotic is chosen based on the suspected or confirmed pathogen, patient allergies, and medical history.
3. Dispensing: The prescription is filled at a pharmacy, where the medication is dispensed to the patient.

Duration

The consultation typically lasts about 15-30 minutes. The antibiotic course generally ranges from 5 to 14 days.

Setting

• Outpatient clinic
• Primary care office
• Urgent care center

Personnel

• Primary care physician
• Nurse practitioner
• Physician assistant
• Pharmacist (for medication dispensing and counseling)

Risks and Complications

• Common: Gastrointestinal upset, allergic reactions, yeast infections
• Rare: Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), antibiotic resistance

Benefits

• Relief of infection-related symptoms
• Prevention of complications
• Improvement usually within a few days of starting the antibiotic course

Recovery

• Follow the antibiotic regimen precisely as prescribed.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Rest to aid recovery.
• Follow-up with the healthcare provider if symptoms persist or worsen.
• Avoid alcohol and let the provider know about any side effects.

Alternatives

• Symptomatic treatment with over-the-counter medications if bacterial infection is not confirmed.
• Wait-and-see approach for mild symptoms, with follow-up evaluation as necessary.

Patient Experience

• During: Brief consultation with the healthcare provider.
• After: Generally mild side effects; improvements in symptoms within a few days.
• Pain management: Not typically required, as antibiotics work to alleviate infection-related discomfort.