Antibiotic Use in Acute Upper Respiratory Tract Infections.

Upper respiratory tract infections are responsible for millions of physician visits in the United States annually. Although viruses cause most acute upper respiratory tract infections, studies show that many infections are unnecessarily treated with antibiotics. Because inappropriate antibiotic use results in adverse events, contributes to antibiotic resistance, and adds unnecessary costs, family physicians must take an evidence-based, judicious approach to the use of antibiotics in patients with upper respiratory tract infections.

Chronic Nonallergic Rhinitis.

Chronic nonallergic rhinitis encompasses a group of rhinitis subtypes without allergic or infectious etiologies. Although chronic nonallergic rhinitis represents about one-fourth of rhinitis cases and impacts 20 to 30 million patients in the United States, its pathophysiology is unclear and diagnostic testing is not available. Characteristics such as no evidence of allergy or defined triggers help define clinical subtypes.

Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis.

Allergic rhinitis is a common and chronic immunoglobulin E-mediated respiratory illness that can affect quality of life and productivity, as well as exacerbate other conditions such as asthma. Treatment should be based on the patient's age and severity of symptoms. Patients should be educated about their condition and advised to avoid known allergens.

Increasing rates of influenza vaccination during pregnancy: a multisite interventional study.

Background: Pregnancy is a high-risk indication for influenza vaccination; however, rates of vaccination fall short of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-recommended guidelines.

Methods: Brief educational sessions with family physicians and obstetricians were undertaken in the fall of 2002. Notes reading "Think Flu Vaccine" were placed on active obstetric charts during the study period.

Influenza vaccination in pregnancy: current practices in a suburban community.

Purpose: The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) identify women in their second and third trimesters as a high-risk population warranting influenza vaccination. This study attempted to characterize understanding of these guidelines and obstacles to their implementation in a suburban community.

Methods: Family physicians and obstetricians with admitting privileges to a community-based hospital were surveyed regarding estimated vaccine availability and administration in their practices and regarding knowledge of indications and contraindications to influenza vaccination in pregnancy.