Large study finds antibiotics have no significant impact on cough severity or duration for lower-respiratory tract infections.
A large study found that antibiotics had no measurable impact on the severity or duration of coughs even if a bacterial infection was present. The research, conducted by Georgetown University Medical Center and colleagues, examined patients who sought treatment for lower-respiratory tract infections in U.S. primary or urgent care settings. Despite potential risks such as dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, and rare skin disorders, doctors continue to prescribe antibiotics for coughs without sufficient evidence.
April 15, 2024
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