Assessment of Signs and Symptoms, Laboratory Parameters and Prescription Pattern of Inhaled Corticosteroids and Antimicrobial Agents for Respiratory Tract Infection Patients in Tertiary Care Hospital: A Prospective, Observational Study

Background: Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) pose significant challenges in clinical medicine, contributing to considerable morbidity, mortality, and workforce absenteeism worldwide. This study aims to explore the diverse clinical manifestations and laboratory abnormalities of respiratory tract infections and evaluate antimicrobial and inhaled corticosteroid prescribing patterns in hospitalized patients with common respiratory disorders. Objectives:The primary objective of this study is to comprehensively assess the signs, symptoms, and key laboratory parameters essential for rapid and accurate diagnosis of respiratory tract infections. Method:The prospective observational study was conducted at SDA-Diamond Hospital, Suratover six months. Patients diagnosed with respiratory tract infections were included. Ethical approval was obtained from the IEC. Then, data from 120 patients fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria was collected, assessed, compiled, and analyzed statistically, and a conclusion was derived. Results: This prospective observational study focused on 120 patients diagnosed with respiratory tract infections and found a higher prevalence among males (59.2%) compared to females (40.8%). Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) were mostly encountered, accounting for 59.16% of cases, while upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) comprised 40.83%. The predominant symptoms reported included fever (32.70%), cough and cold (29.28%), and breathlessness (10.65%). On physical examination, crepitation were noted in 60.42% of patients, and wheezing was observed in 22.92%.Laboratory results indicated elevated inflammatory markers, with raised white blood cell counts in 95 patients out of 96 patientsand increased C-reactive protein levels in 65 patients out of 120 patients, which contributed to the diagnostic evaluation. Ceftriaxone was the most frequently administered antibiotic during hospitalization (26.31%), followed by azithromycin (13.76%). Upon discharge,azithromycin and cefixime were the most commonly prescribed antibiotics, each accounting for 20.42% of prescriptions. Among inhaled corticosteroids,budesonide was predominantly used (82%), highlighting its important role in the supportive care of respiratory tract infections. Significance: This study highlights the common clinical features, abnormal laboratory parameters, and prescribing trends observed in respiratory tract infections. Identifying frequently noted clinical manifestations and lab abnormalities can aid in early diagnosis, while data on commonly prescribed antibiotics and inhaled corticosteroids offers insight into current treatment practices.