Pharmacoepidemiology of common colds and upper respiratory tract infections in children and adolescents in Germany

Abstract

BackgroundMedicines to treat common colds (CC) and upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) are widely used among children, but there are only few data about treatments actually applied for these diseases. In the present study we analyze the prevalence and correlations of self-medicated and prescribed drug use for the treatment of CCs and URTIs among children and adolescents in Germany.MethodsMedicine use during the week preceding the interview was recorded among 17,450 children (0–17 years) who participated in the drug interview of the 2003–2006 German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS). The definition of CCs and URTIs in the present study included the WHO-ICD-10 codes J00, J01.0, J01.9, J02.0, J02.9, J03.0, J03.9, J04.0, J06.8, J06.9, J11.1, J11.8, R05 and R07.0. Using the complex sample method, the prevalence and associated socio-demographic factors of self-medication, prescribed medicines and antibiotics were defined.Results13.8% of the participating girls and boys use drugs to treat a CC or an URTI. About 50% of this group use prescribed medications. Among the users of prescribed medication, 11.5% use antibiotics for the treatment of these diseases. Looking at all prescribed medicines we find associations with younger age, immigration background, and lower social status. Antibiotic use in particular is associated with female sex, higher age, residency in the former East Germany and immigration background.ConclusionsThe use of medicines to treat CCs or URTIs is widespread among children and adolescents in Germany. Thus, longitudinal studies should investigate the risks associated with this drug use. Differences in socio-demographic variables regarding exposure to antibiotic use indicate that there could be an implausible prescribing behavior among physicians in Germany.

Short‐term effects of heat and cold on respiratory drug use. A time‐series epidemiological study in A Coruña, Spain

“…However, self-medication is an extremely common phenomenon for the treatment of respiratory disorders, especially common colds and influenza, with more than half of the population using OTC medication. [27][28][29] In this context of self-medication it could be possible that patients overuse OTC drugs from their medicine chest. 30 This aspect is not possible to control in the design of the present study.…”

Uso y actitudes frente a los medicamentos naturales y homeopáticos en pacientes pediátricos: una encuesta entre médicos colombianos

“…La condición inmune de los niños en los primeros años de vida los hace especialmente vulnerables a las infecciones virales. En la literatura sobre el tema se registran, aproximadamente, entre cuatro y ocho episodios de infección viral cada año por niño [24,26]. Las ITRS, incluso, constituyen la causa más frecuente para la prescripción de antibióticos en la atención pediátrica ambulatoria.…”

Use of natural and homeopathic remedies in children ailments

“…The specific immune status of children in the first years of life makes them especially vulnerable to viral infections [50]. In literature about 4-8 episodes of viral infection per year per child are recorded [50].…”

“…The specific immune status of children in the first years of life makes them especially vulnerable to viral infections [50]. In literature about 4-8 episodes of viral infection per year per child are recorded [50]. The majority of URTIs are caused by viral pathogens, most commonly rhinoviruses, but also influenza viruses [22].…”

“…As mentioned above, a key issue concerns the prescription of antibiotics, that are widely prescribed, but often inappropriate; overuse can lead to the development of community-acquired resistant pathogens which are an increasing and serious health burden [50]. The results of a nationwide US survey published in 2004 showed 38% of more than 6.5 million visits (primary practice, outpatient, and emergency department) by children and adults with a diagnosis of influenza were associated with antibiotic prescriptions.…”