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Table 2 Treatment recommendations for acute respiratory illness (ARI) according to our developed guidelines

From: Effectiveness of an educational intervention to improve antibiotic dispensing practices for acute respiratory illness among drug sellers in pharmacies, a pilot study in Bangladesh

Clinical scenarios for ARI

Treatment Recommendation

Uncomplicated ARI in children

(<  5 years)

â–ª No antibiotics

â–ª Only symptomatic treatment

-- If febrile, treatment with acetaminophen, sponging of body, hydration for patients ≥6 months

-- For cough, drink warm lime water, honey, lemon tea

-- Follow-up in 5 days if symptoms have not improved

Complicated ARI in children

(<  5 years)

▪ Antibiotic for 5 days

▪ Follow-up in 2 days

â–ª Advise the caretaker to return immediately if the child develops any danger signs (inability to drink or breastfeed, repeated vomiting, convulsion, lethargy/abnormally sleepy/unconscious)

â–ª Refer urgently to physician/hospital if child develops danger sign

Uncomplicated ARI in adults

â–ª No antibiotic

â–ª Only symptomatic treatment

-- Over the counter drugs such as cough syrups and antihistamines can be given; acetaminophen should be given if febrile

-- For cough, drink warm lime water, honey, lemon tea or salt water gargling

-- Follow-up in 5 days if symptoms have not improved

Complicated ARI in adults

â–ª No antibiotics

â–ª Referral to a physician