Upper Respiratory Infections and Acute Bronchitis

Abstract

Upper respiratory infections include the following: uncomplicated upper respiratory infections also known as the “common cold,” acute otitis media, pharyngitis/tonsillitis, and acute sinusitis. These conditions, along with acute bronchitis, are very common illnesses that are commonly seen in outpatient settings and are widely treated with antibiotics. In fact, these conditions are the primary indications for outpatient antibiotic prescriptions. These conditions tend to have overlapping clinical characteristics yet evidence regarding the utility of antimicrobial treatments varies across conditions.