Tonsillitis: Do Antibiotics Make Sore Throats Go Away Quicker
Antibiotics can shorten the length of throat infections by between half a day and one day on average. But they can have side effects, and using too much increases the risk of becoming resistant to them.
A lot of people go to the doctor because of a sore throat particularly in the cold season. Sore throats are often caused by a common cold, and sometimes by a throat infection or a tonsil infection . People may then wonder whether or not to take . But antibiotics won’t help in most cases: Sore throats that are part of a common cold are usually caused by viruses, and antibiotics don’t fight viruses. Antibiotics only help in people who have a bacterial infection, such as bacterial tonsillitis. Most sore throats go away on their own within a week anyway, without any special treatment.
Why It Is Important To Do This Review
Whether or not to prescribe antibiotics for sore throat is controversial. The issue is important because it is a very common disease and differences in prescribing result in large cost differences. Moreover, increased prescribing increases patient attendance rates . This review is built on an early metaanalysis and is an update of previous Cochrane Reviews .
Antibiotics Wont Stop A Common Sore Throat
Because strep throat is caused by a bacterium, bacteria-fighting antibiotics are usually used to cure the disease. This disease is less contagious and its symptoms dramatically improve after antibiotics have been properly administered.
It’s important not to overuse antibiotics though. Overuse of antibiotics threatens to create “superbugs,” microbes that are resistant to antibiotics. Every year in the United States, at least 2 million people are infected with antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
To avoid contributing to this growing health problem, don’t try to treat viral or fungal illnesses with antibiotics. Antibiotics do not provide any benefit against viral or fungal infections. The only result of using antibiotics in these cases is the further proliferation of superbugs.
Antibiotics do not get rid of sore throats caused by the common cold. The common cold is caused by a virus, and antibiotics will not help.
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Cinnamon For Sore Throat
All this while you thought that the cinnamon was only used to add that punch to your coffee however, this spice can help you cure your cold and prevents it from occurring ever again.
Why does it work?
Cinnamon is proven to be an antibacterial agent that can help you fight your sore throat and keep your symptoms at bay. Additionally, it also helps boost your immunity and helps in keeping your breath fresh!
How to use?
To make it easy for integrating this into your regimen is to drink cinnamon tea, which you could easily acquire from any nearby stores. However, the better way of reaping the benefits of cinnamon is to make your own cinnamon almond milk.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of almond milk.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
- 1/8 teaspoon baking soda.
- 1 tablespoon honey or sweetener of choice.
Procedure:
How much to use?
Ideally, there is no restriction of any sort on consuming this milk. However, you could stick to a full glass of milk and substitute for your regular dairy consumption. It is to be noted that you should consume this once in a day, in the morning on an empty stomach or alongside your breakfast.
How The Intervention Might Work
Antibiotics target bacteria which are potentially responsible for sore throat symptoms and possible subsequent suppurative and nonsuppurative sequelae. Successful eradication of bacteria may promote faster healing and prevention of secondary complications. However, not all sore throat cases are of bacteriologic origin and bacteria may resist antibiotic treatment which could limit the overall effectiveness of the intervention.
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Pain And Fever Without A Cough Are Common Signs And Symptoms
In general, strep throat is a mild infection, but it can be very painful. The most common symptoms of strep throat include:
- Sore throat that can start very quickly
- Pain when swallowing
- Fever
- Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus
- Tiny, red spots on the roof of the mouth
- Swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck
Other symptoms may include a headache, stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting especially in children. Someone with strep throat may also have a rash known as scarlet fever .
The following symptoms suggest a virus is the cause of the illness instead of strep throat:
- Cough
- Conjunctivitis
It usually takes two to five days for someone exposed to group A strep to become ill.
A sore throat that starts quickly, pain with swallowing, and fever are some of the common signs and symptoms of strep throat.
What Things Should I Look Out For
In nearly all cases, a sore throat or tonsillitis clears up without leaving any problems. However, occasionally a typical sore throat may progress to cause complications. Also, a sore throat is sometimes due to an unusual but more serious illness. Therefore, for the sake of completeness, the things to look out for include the following.
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Personal Stories About Taking Antibiotics For Sore Throat
These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.
I was sick a lot as a kid, and I was always taking medicine. Maybe it helped at the time. But in the past few years, when I’ve gotten a bad sore throat or sinus infection, antibiotics haven’t worked. I’ve had to try two or three different ones each time. That gets expensive. The next time I get a sore throat, I’m going to try just staying home, resting, and taking care of myself instead of taking antibiotics.
Jesse, 34
My 8-year-old daughter got strep throat last month. I thought it was just a cold, and I kept her home from school for a few days. But she wasn’t getting better and she felt so miserable. I was also worried about ear infections. She gets a lot of those too. The doctor did a strep test and suggested she take antibiotics. Amy started feeling better a few days later. I think antibiotics were the right way to go this time.
My insurance doesn’t pay for all of my medicines, so I try to make sure I really need the ones I do take. The last time I had a bad cold, my throat got really sore. The pain made it hard for me to swallow. I called my doctor’s office and the nurse said I could come in if I felt I needed a prescription. I thought I’d wait and see instead. I took ibuprofen and drank a lot of tea and honey, and in a few days I felt better. I’m glad I didn’t spend the money on a doctor visit and medicine.
Esther, 42
Sore Throat Remedies And Self
Over-the-counter medications might help, such as lozenges or throat gargles that contain local anaesthetic. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, avoid products that contain iodine . Your pharmacist can give you more information.
Eating soft foods such as ice cream, ice blocks or jelly, can help.
To ease a scratchy throat, try gargling with warm, salty water or drinking hot water with honey and lemon. Warm or iced drinks and ice blocks may be soothing.
Avoid foods that cause pain when you swallow. Try eating soft foods such as yoghurt, soup or ice cream.
It is important to stay well hydrated so drink plenty of water. If you have an existing medical condition, check with your doctor about how much water is right for you.
Keep the room at a comfortable temperature and rest and avoid heavy activity until symptoms go away.
Smoking or breathing in other peoples smoke can make symptoms worse. Try to avoid being around people who are smoking. If you are a smoker, try to cut down or quit. For advice on quitting smoking, visit the Quit Now website.
Find out more about self-care tips if you have a high temperature .
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Strep Throat: All You Need To Know
Worried your sore throat may be strep throat? Strep throat is a common type of sore throat in children, but its not very common in adults. Doctors can do a quick test to see if a sore throat is strep throat. If so, antibiotics can help you feel better faster and prevent spreading it to others.
Tea Tree Oil For Sore Throat
A 2013 study conducted by scientists narrowed down on the fact that tea tree oil is a powerful antibacterial, anti-inflammatory agent against the pathogens. Additionally, it could also cure/prevent a lot of diseases such as respiratory diseases, and gastrointestinal diseases.
Why does it work?
Tea tree oil is a well-known antibacterial, an anti-inflammatory agent, that has proven efficacy in the human body by killing pathogens and alleviating swelling in the body. Additionally, it also acts as an antiseptic and keeps the oral cavity fresh and disinfected.
How to use?
Ideally, it is recommended that you inhale this essential oil directly, you could directly take sniffs from the bottle during the day. Additionally, you could also add 3-4 drops of the oil in a humidifier and place it in your bedroom while you are sleeping.
It is to be noted that you can not ingest essential oils. However, you could apply it topically after mixing it with a carrier oil like coconut oil, and almond oil.
How much to use?
Although a set rigid dosage for the use of peppermint oil isnt specified, however, it is strongly recommended that you consult with your doctor/physician before starting this regimen.
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A Pharmacist Can Help With Sore Throats
You can ask a pharmacist about ways of relieving the pain and discomfort of a sore throat, such as:
- medicated lozenges containing a local anaesthetic, antiseptic, or anti-inflammatory medicine
- anaesthetic spray
You can buy these treatments from a supermarket or from a pharmacist without a prescription.
Using Home Remedies For Strep Throat: A Daily Journal
10/6 Sunday afternoon felt something in throat. Still sang well at rehearsal.
10/7 Monday morning something became more prominent and I began the research into what I felt was inevitably the strep bacteria attacking my throat.
10/7 Monday early afternoon visit to doctor for regular checkup and asking about an unrelated pulled muscle. He checked my throat and said nothing. It didnt matter if he had, I would have just went through the motions of accepting an antibiotic prescription, but not taking it I had already made up my mind to do something different.
10/7 Monday afternoon found information on The Healthy Home Economist about beating strep with no meds. Followed up with a phone call to David Aaron Katz. Became convinced that I will muscle through it with home remedies. As per Davids suggestion, I started by sucking/chewing on cloves of garlic 5 of them before the day was out!
10/7 Monday evening attempted to sing. Did not go well, highs were very strained.
10/8 Tuesday morning throat uncomfortableness, but quick mirror check didnt seem to reveal anything overly red. Driving son to school is when I looked in rear view mirror and noticed two white spots. Strep confirmed.
10/8 Tuesday later morning started a cycle of garlic chewing with a mixture of raw honey & cayenne pepper every half hour . First two administers I experienced upset stomach, but became very tired and slept most afternoon.
Well its not back!
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Peppermint Oil For Sore Throat
Peppermint oil is commonly used for the treatment of the common cold, cough, sinus infections, respiratory infections, and inflammation of the mouth and throat, including sore throats. A 2015 study found that peppermint essential oil has antibacterial properties similar to those of the antibiotic gentamicin thereby proving its efficacy as a potent remedy to cure a sore throat.
Why does it work?
Peppermint oil consists of menthol, the active ingredient that is present in several conventional lozenges, syrups and pills to cure sore throat, cold and several other respiratory problems. It alleviates pain and helps in reducing the swelling as well. Additionally, it also kills the bacteria that is present in the throat.
How to use?
Ideally, it is recommended that you inhale this essential oil directly, you could directly take sniffs from the bottle during the day. Additionally, you could also add 3-4 drops of the oil in a humidifier and place it in your bedroom while you are sleeping. It is to be noted that you can not ingest essential oils, however, you could apply it topically after mixing it with a carrier oil like coconut oil, almond oil, etc.
How much to use?
Although a set of rigid dosage for the use of peppermint oil isnt specified, however, it is strongly recommended that you consult your doctor/physician before starting this regimen.
Strep Throat Vs Sore Throat
Sore throats are pain in the throat that is typically caused by a virus. It can be due to bacteria, allergies, pollution or throat dryness. Strep throat is an infection of the throat caused by bacteria. Sore throat is a symptom of strep throat and its also a symptom of other respiratory conditions. Both are contagious they can be passed from person to person in any place with close contact.
Not many people with sore throats have bacterial infections. According to the Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement, viruses cause 85 to 95 percent of throat infections in adults and children younger than 5 years of age. Viruses cause about 70 percent of throat infections in those aged 5 to 15 years, with the other 30 percent due to bacterial infections, mostly group A strep. Natural sore throat remedies should be your first choice, as antibiotic treatment will not help a viral infection.
It can be hard to tell the difference between strep throat symptoms and symptoms of a viral infection. Remember, while trying to make a self-diagnosis, that strep throat doesnt include cold symptoms, like coughing, sneezing or runny nose. If you have a sore throat with cold symptoms, its likely caused by a viral infection and its not strep throat. Try strep throat home remedies to find some relief from your symptoms.
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Protect Yourself And Others
People can get strep throat more than once. Having strep throat does not protect someone from getting it again in the future. While there is no vaccine to prevent strep throat, there are things people can do to protect themselves and others.
Good Hygiene Helps Prevent Group A Strep Infections
The best way to keep from getting or spreading group A strep is to wash your hands often. This is especially important after coughing or sneezing and before preparing foods or eating. To practice good hygiene, you should:
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
- Put your used tissue in the waste basket
- Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands, if you dont have a tissue
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Use an alcohol-based hand rub if soap and water are not available
You should also wash glasses, utensils, and plates after someone who is sick uses them. These items are safe for others to use once washed.
Wash your hands often to help prevent germs from spreading.
Antibiotics Help Prevent Spreading the Infection to Others
People with strep throat should stay home from work, school, or daycare until they:
- No longer have a fever
- AND
- Have taken antibiotics for at least 12 hours
Take the prescription exactly as the doctor says to. Dont stop taking the medicine, even if you or your child feel better, unless the doctor says to stop.
Home Remedies For A Sore Throat
The use of antibiotics may alleviate strep throat symptoms within 24 hours. In the meantime, you can also try some of these home remedies to help soothe a sore throat and reduce other strep symptoms:
- Over-the-counter pain medications, like Tylenol or Advil, can help relieve throat pain and break a fever.
- An over-the-counter throat numbing spray that contains phenol, like Chloraseptic, can also ease throat pain.
- Drink plenty of water. Though it can be painful with strep throat, drinking water helps keep a sore throat lubricated, which may help you recover if you can tolerate it. Staying hydrated can also boost your immune system and help your organs receive adequate nutrients to fight off the infection.
- Consume warm beverages, like chamomile tea or Slippery Elm tea, can also help relieve pain and reduce inflammation in the throat.
- Gargle with warm salt water can also soothe a scratchy throat. The salt helps pull mucus out of the inflamed tissue, which can relieve discomfort and reduce swelling. You can do this several times a day by mixing ¼ teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water.
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What Are The Risks Of Taking Antibiotics For Sore Throat
Antibiotics may cause side effects, such as diarrhea, vomiting, and skin rashes.
Besides side effects, there are other good reasons not to use antibiotics unless you really need them.
- Antibiotics cost money.
- You will probably have to see the doctor to get a prescription. This costs you time.
- If you take antibiotics when you don’t need them, they may not work when you do need them. Each time you take antibiotics, you are more likely to carry some bacteria that were not killed by the medicine. Over time, these bacteria get tougher and can cause longer and more serious infections. To treat them, you may need different, stronger, and more costly antibiotics.
