Inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics for self-limiting problems | a cause for concern

The overuse of antibiotics is a significant problem which in turn causes concern with antibiotic resistance. Many self-limiting problems are treated inappropriately with antibiotics. Alternative options for symptomatic relief need to be utilized more to prevent exacerbation of antibiotic resistance. Alternatives can be very effective in both symptom relief and cost. This evidenced based educational intervention project succeeded in achieving a change in antibiotic prescribing practices in viral sinus symptom relief, the use of alternative treatment modalities for sinus symptoms, the confidence in knowing that patient satisfaction is not directly related to prescribing antibiotics if they are inappropriately used and the ability to communicate effectively with patients as to why an antibiotic is not appropriate. The most important being the decrease in the inappropriate use of antibiotics in treating viral infection symptoms which will go a long way at addressing the world wide need to decrease antibiotic resistance.