According to research published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (September 17, 1997;278:901-904;944-945), doctors in the United Statesfrequently prescribe unnecessary antibiotics for viral conditions such as colds. When antibiotics are used too frequently, it creates strains of bacteria that are resistant to the drugs. In 1992 a survey showed that 51% of patients diagnosed with colds, 52% with upper respiratory tract infections (URIs), and 66% with bronchitis were given prescriptions for antibiotics. The conditions combined account for more than 12 million or over 20% of all antibiotic prescriptions to given adults during regular doctor visits.
Health experts at the Center for Disease Control (CDC) blame doctors for this inappropriate use of antibiotics. Sometimes the prescription is given because the patient expects it and the doctor does not take the time to explain why the antibiotic is unnecessary. Sometimes the prescriptions are due to ignorance on the part of the physician. Doctors will sometimes give antibiotics for a persistent cough, even though most coughs due to colds last for 10 days or more. To quote the CDC, “We encourage all physicians to examine their own practices and identify where they can decrease unnecessary antimicrobial use by improving diagnostic methods or communicating with patients concerning the lack of benefit, potential adverse effects, and development of resistance associated with such therapy.”