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Published
2026-02-07
Section
Articles
How to Cite
How to Cite
IMPROVING OUTPATIENT ANTIBIOTIC PRESCRIBING FOR COMMON PEDIATRIC RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS
Kodirov Khusanboy
Senior Lecturer, Department of pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, ASMI
Keywords: pediatric antibiotic stewardship; outpatient care; respiratory tract infections; acute otitis media; pharyngitis.
Abstract
Inappropriate antibiotic prescribing for common pediatric respiratory infections remains a major driver of antimicrobial resistance, avoidable adverse drug events, and unnecessary healthcare costs. Most respiratory illnesses in children seen in outpatient settings are viral or self-limited, yet antibiotics are still frequently prescribed because of diagnostic uncertainty, time pressure, caregiver expectations, and inconsistent adherence to clinical pathways. This article presents a practical, clinic-ready approach to improving outpatient antibiotic prescribing for children with respiratory infections. It emphasizes three linked pillars: improving diagnostic accuracy using evidence-based criteria and targeted testing, optimizing antibiotic selection and duration when treatment is indicated, and embedding stewardship into routine workflow through decision support, communication strategies, and audit-feedback cycles.
References
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2. World Health Organization. The WHO AWaRe (Access, Watch, Reserve) antibiotic book. – Geneva : WHO, 2022. – (online). – URL: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240062382 (accessed: 04.02.2026).
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