Background: Upper respiratory tract infections are the most frequently occurring illness of childhood. The common types of upper respiratory tract infections are common cold, rhinitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis, otitis media and sinusitis. Common misuse of antimicrobial agents is seen in infections caused by viruses, which are self-limited and they do not respond to the currently available anti-infective agents. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at pediatric out-patient department of Basaveshwara Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Chitradurga for a period of six months. The data was collected from outpatient record in a suitably designed individual case record form of the patients diagnosed with upper respiratory tract infection. Results: A total of 120 patients aged less than 13 years were collected from the paediatric outpatient department of a tertiary care teaching hospital. The most common diagnosis was nonspecific upper respiratory tract infections (49.1%). Only 10 drugs were prescribed from the essential drug list. Amongst all drug class, respiratory drugs were prescribed in more (29%), antihistamines (24.6%), antimicrobials (24.3%), Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (18%) and nasal drops (4.1%). In antimicrobials, amoxicillin + clavulanic acid (45.8%) was the highly prescribed combination. The main drug interactions were between chlorpheneramine and terbutaline. Conclusions: Antibiotic prescriptions were inappropriate in acute self-limiting upper respiratory tract infection. Antibiotics are over prescribed for paediatric upper respiratory tract infections. Amoxicillin with clavulanic acid combination were preferentially prescribed. Doctors should be educated on more appropriate and cost effective prescribing.
The Unani system of medicine, rooted in the principle of balancing the body's humours, has long believed that imbalances in these humours lead to various illnesses. Restoring the equilibrium of humours is considered vital for promoting good health. Classical texts on Unani medicine delineate three distinct methods for treating diseases: pharmacotherapy, regimenal therapy, and surgery. Among regimenal therapies, leech therapy (Ta‘liq al-‘Alaq) has emerged as an exceptionally effective and distinctive method of bloodletting. By utilizing this traditional technique, leech therapy facilitates the evacuation of morbid humours from the body, addressing the underlying cause of ailments. Over time, leech therapy has transitioned from a traditional practice to gaining recognition as a valuable treatment modality in evidence-based medicine. The safety and efficacy of leech therapy have been supported by clinical reports and pharmacological experiments, demonstrating its potential in healing chronic wounds and managing various ailments. This study explores the historical perspective and potential applications of leech therapy in modern medicine.
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