Review: antibiotics are not effective for upper respiratory tract infection in children
Question What is the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment for upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) in children?
Data sources
Studies were identified by searching Medline (from 1966) and Embase/Excerpta Medica (from 1982) using the terms cough, bronchitis, sputum, and respiratory tract infection; the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register using the terms bronchitis, chest infection, and common cold; Science Citation Index; references of published studies; and by contacting study authors and UK drug companies.
Study selection
Studies were selected if they were randomised, placebo controlled trials of children aged 0–12 years who attended a family practice clinic, hospital outpatient department, or community health clinic with onset of URTI (non-specific symptoms of the respiratory tract) in the previous 2 weeks and who had not received antibiotic treatment in the preceding week.
Data extraction
Data were extracted on age and number of participants, setting, diagnostic labels and clinical features, …
