The role of symptomatic treatment of acute respiratory infection in the prevention of antibiotic resistance

Abstract

The development of antimicrobial resistance has been an acknowledged reality almost since the beginning of the antibiotic era, but only in the last few decades have dangerous resistant strains emerged with alarming regularity. A balanced and justified approach to prescribing antibacterial therapy is one of the conditions for curbing the escalating evolution of antimicrobial resistance. A sore throat in most cases is an example when «recovery does not depend on treatment» and complications in the absence of antibiotic therapy are unlikely. However, primary care physicians often continue to prescribe antibiotics for various conditions that are accompanied by a sore throat. Flurbiprofen 8.75 mg — Strepsils® Intensive, oromucosal spray, and Strepsils® Intensive, lozenges with honey and lemon, penetrates into the deep layers of the mucous membrane and acts in the area of inflammation, quickly and for a long time relieves even severe symptoms. Topical use of flurbiprofen as a symptomatic agent prevents the unnecessary prescription of antibacterial agents and, accordingly, reduces the burden of antimicrobial resistance. When antibacterial therapy is clinically justified, flurbiprofen, oromucosal spray and lozenges, can improve the patient’s quality of life from the very beginning of topical therapy and potentially shorten the duration of antibiotic use.