Emergency department management of acute respiratory infections

Semin Respir Infect. 2002 Mar;17(1):65-71. doi: 10.1053/srin.2002.31692.

Abstract

Respiratory tract infections are one of the most common problems prompting visits to the emergency department. Although many are the result of self-limited viral illnesses, these infections may result in substantial morbidity and, rarely, mortality. Prompt recognition and appropriate treatment can reduce morbidity and largely prevent mortality. Careful selection of antimicrobial agents is essential to maximize benefit and prevent overuse, which contributes to the emergence of antibiotic resistance.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Bronchitis / diagnosis
  • Bronchitis / drug therapy
  • Common Cold / diagnosis
  • Common Cold / drug therapy
  • Community-Acquired Infections / diagnosis
  • Community-Acquired Infections / drug therapy
  • Emergency Service, Hospital
  • Emergency Treatment*
  • Epiglottitis / diagnosis
  • Epiglottitis / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Laryngitis / diagnosis
  • Laryngitis / drug therapy
  • Pharyngitis / diagnosis
  • Pharyngitis / drug therapy
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / diagnosis*
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / drug therapy*
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / etiology
  • Tracheitis / diagnosis
  • Tracheitis / drug therapy

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents