Upper respiratory tract illness

Treatment of upper respiratory tract illness

No antibiotic treatment

Prescribing Notes:

  • The vast majority of respiratory tract illness is self-limiting and it is recommended that the term “infection” is avoided. Purulent sputum alone is not a marker for antibiotic treatment.
  • Also see Ear, nose and oropharynx chapter of the formulary.

History Notes

15/12/2021

East Region Formulary content agreed.

Treatment of upper respiratory tract illness

No antibiotic treatment.

Prescribing Notes:

  • The vast majority of respiratory tract illness is self-limiting. Purulent sputum alone is not a marker for antibiotic treatment. Patients suffering recurrent episodes should be referred for further investigation.
  • Also see Children’s recommendations in the Ear, nose and oropharynx chapter of the formulary.

History Notes

15/01/2024

East Region Formulary content agreed.