WAUSAU, Wis. (AP) - Educating doctors and parents about the risks of using antibiotics for common infections in children can reduce such prescriptions by up to 20 percent, a study published Tuesday found.

Investigators at the Marshfield Clinic conducted the study in five northern Wisconsin counties to address the growing issue of some respiratory infections becoming resistant to antibiotics, such as amoxicillin.

Antibiotics are often prescribed inappropriately for coughs and colds, said Dr. Edward Belongia, the study's primary researcher.

``This study shows that combined physician and public education can effectively reduce overall antibiotic use,'' he said.

The findings were reported in the September edition of Pediatrics, a medical journal published by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Antibiotics were developed after World War II and were viewed as wonder drugs, Belongia said.

``We are trying to deal with that legacy now,'' he said.

The two-year study at the Marshfield Clinic, a large regional medical network, began in 1997, and included about 1,000 children and 151 doctors.

The results showed that doctors reduced the number of liquid antibiotic prescriptions by 11 percent and antibiotic pills by 20 percent following the education efforts.

Jeff Moore, a doctor affiliated with one of the clinic's satellites, said many doctors will not be surprised by the study's findings because parents are more knowledgeable about when antibiotics are best used.

``Even five years ago, explaining you don't need an antibiotic for a cold, I met skepticism or resistance,'' he said. ``Now, I am much more likely to encounter understanding or acceptance of the problem.''

Sue Kamenick approach to her young son's illnesses changed after he participated in the study.

``I really question the doctors a lot more and make (them) aware I do not want an antibiotic unless absolutely needed,'' she said.

On the Net:

Marshfield Clinic: http://www.marshfieldclinic.org

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (news - web sites): http://www.cdc.gov

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