Published Paper Details:

Background: Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) continue to be a primary cause of illness and death globally, especially in low- and middle-income nations. They account for a substantial proportion of outpatient visits and hospital admissions in pulmonology departments. Due to overlapping clinical features of viral and bacterial infections, empirical antibiotic therapy is frequently initiated without microbiological confirmation. This practice significantly contributes to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), posing substantial challenges to public health. Objectives: To systematically review literature on antibiotic prescribing trends and drug utilization patterns in pulmonology departments of tertiary care hospitals, focusing on irrational prescribing, stewardship implementation, and guideline adherence. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar (2015-2024) was conducted using predefined keywords. Four peer-reviewed studies that met eligibility criteria were selected. A narrative synthesis was used. Results: The review found high empirical use of broad-spectrum antibiotics--especially third-generation cephalosporins, macrolides, and fluoroquinolones. Adherence to guidelines was poor, and microbiological testing was infrequent. Studies implementing Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASPs) reported improvements in prescribing behavior. Conclusion: Empirical antibiotic use is prevalent in pulmonology settings. Implementation of ASPs, improved diagnostics, and training are essential for optimizing antibiotic use and preventing AMR.