New study reveals the extent of antibiotic misuse for a common sore throat, fuelling the 3rd leading cause of death worldwide

New study reveals the extent of antibiotic misuse for a common sore throat,

fuelling the 3^rd leading cause of death worldwide

Pharmacists encouraged to address antibiotic knowledge gaps for patients with respiratory infections

A new global study launched during World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW, 18-24 November) shows a high dependence on antibiotics for treating respiratory conditions like sore throat, which is helping to fuel the global issue of antibiotic resistance, which plays a role in the deaths of 4.95 million people a year.¹ 

The Sore Throat & Antibiotic Resistance (STAR) study, commissioned by the Global Respiratory Infection Partnership and Reckitt, (maker of Strepsils and other health products), found that over half of adults surveyed had taken antibiotics for a respiratory condition like a sore throat in the past six months despite antibiotics being ineffective for 9 out of 10 sore throats.^2,3 

Antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections, like Escherichia coli (E.coli) and MRSA (Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus) are the third leading cause of death worldwide, after ischaemic heart disease and stroke,⁴ with one in five of the associated deaths occurring in children under the age of five.¹

Antibiotics are ineffective in treating common conditions like sore throat and cold. They provide no pain-relief and do not contribute to a faster recovery from these viral infections. Yet, these conditions and other upper respiratory tract infections represent the leading cause for global antibiotic misuse in adults,⁵ a practice that allows for bacteria to mutate and become resistant to them in the future.

The STAR study findings also suggest that a public misunderstanding of how to treat sore throats is contributing to the problem by leading to antibiotic overuse. 3/5 people under 35 believe antibiotics are effective for a sore throat, with almost half (45%) not knowing how to treat respiratory conditions without antibiotics.² This high level of confusion may explain why two in five (38%) under 35s feel anxious being treated for respiratory conditions like sore throat without antibiotics.²

However, this anxiety is mostly misplaced. The majority of sore throats don’t require antibiotics as they are caused by viruses, not bacterial infections,³ and sufferers usually benefit more from effective treatments for their painful symptoms, such as anti-inflammatory throat lozenges and painkillers.⁶

During WAAW, the Global Respiratory Infection Partnership (GRIP) – an expert led initiative founded by Reckitt to educate and support medical professional stakeholders on the issue of antibiotic misuse in respiratory illnesses - is encouraging pharmacists to follow a simple 1,2,3 approach for sore throat to aid the responsible management of antibiotics.

This 3-step approach encourages pharmacists to have a conversation with every patient presenting with a sore throat, to: 1. assess their symptoms, 2. check for red flags and risk factors, and 3. offer expert advice and symptomatic treatment options. By providing advice, including how to manage the symptoms of respiratory infections, such as sore throat, pharmacists can help patients access the most effective treatment as quickly as possible, whilst also reducing inappropriate antibiotics usage to mitigate the global impact of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Another global survey commissioned by GRIP and Reckitt found that pharmacists agree they should play a part in educating the general public about respiratory infections and alternatives to antibiotics.⁷ The findings show that 85% of pharmacists surveyed believe they have an active role to play in addressing AMR and 87% believe that patient education is important in addressing the issue of AMR.⁷

Commenting on the new study, GRIP Chair Professor Sabiha Essack says:  “The results of this study are of concern as young people – our leaders and workforce of the future - incorrectly believe that antibiotics work for all sore throats and colds and may be unaware of the consequences of inappropriate antibiotic use on a personal and public health level. GRIP understands the vital role that pharmacists play in educating the public on appropriate antibiotic use and is working to support pharmacy personnel with educational resources.”