Are antibiotics overprescribed? whenever i go to my dr. with upr resp symptoms, he prescribes abx. after very quick check of ears, nose, etc.

Yes: Yes - extremely over-prescribed. Unless you have high fevers, abnormal sputum, known exposure to a bacterial infection/source, & other signs like swollen lymph nodes or red throat with pus, you don't need antibiotics. Most upper respiratory infections (ears, nose, throat) are viral or allergic & will get better on their own. Antibiotics only kill bacteria, not viruses. It's ok to query the doc.