Background: Asthma attacks are one of the most common reasons for patient referral in adult and paediatric age groups, leading to hospitalization of these patients. In addition to the fact that only a small percentage of asthma attacks are due to bacterial infections, asthma treatment guidelines recommend against the routine use of antibiotics in patients hospitalized for asthma attacks. However, many patients treated for asthma attacks receive antibacterial drugs. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to investigate the prescription of antibacterial drugs in patients with asthma attacks.
Methods: In this study, data related to Imam Khomeini (RA) and Shahid Mustafa Khomeini Teaching Hospitals in Ilam city were examined between April 2017 to March 2022. Cases hospitalized due to asthma attacks in the mentioned hospitals during that time period were included in the study according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Results: A total of 331 patients, including 273 adults (84.4%) and 58 children (17.6%), hospitalized for asthma attacks were included in the study. 84.42% of adults and 70.69% of children received antibacterial drugs. The use of antibacterial drugs in adults (p < 0.001) and children (p = 0.008) was significantly associated with an increase in the average length of hospitalization. Among adults, 12 patients required intubation, which was not significantly associated with the use of antibacterial drugs (p = 0.51). Among children, 1 patient required intubation, which was not statistically significant in terms of association with antibiotic use.
Conclusion: The prescription of antibacterial drugs in the treatment of patients hospitalized due to asthma attacks in teaching hospitals in Ilam city is more than similar domestic and international studies. Also, the prescription of antibacterial drugs in these patients not only has no therapeutic benefit, but is also associated with an increase in the duration of hospitalization. It is necessary to consider the necessary measures to modify the views of specialists on the prescription of antibacterial drugs based on the latest evidence-based guidelines.
