Bronchodilators, Antibiotics, and Oral Corticosteroids Use in Primary Care for Children With Cough.
Glob Pediatr Health 2019;
6:2333794X19831296. [PMID:
30828592 PMCID:
PMC6390215 DOI:
10.1177/2333794x19831296]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Real-world management decisions for acute cough in children in primary care
practice are not well understood. This study is an analysis of 560 encounters
for children with cough, 19 days to 18 years of age, seen in a predominantly
suburban academic pediatric practice, over 1 year. Past history, cough duration,
and cough characteristics significantly affected treatment decisions. Children
with cough frequently had a history of preterm birth, allergies, asthma, and
neurological conditions. Most common therapies were bronchodilators,
antibiotics, and oral corticosteroids. Children prescribed antibiotics were
older, more likely to have a wet or productive cough, history of sinusitis,
pneumonia or dysphagia, and longer cough duration. Children prescribed oral
corticosteroids were younger, less likely to be wet or productive and more
likely to have history of asthma or dysphagia. Children prescribed
bronchodilators were more likely to have fever, nasal congestion, and wheezing
and history of previous asthma, pneumonia, or dysphagia.
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