Natural Antibiotics To Cure Strep Throat

Risks Of Natural Antibiotics

Just because something is labeled natural, it is not necessarily safe.

The amounts and concentrations of active ingredients vary among brands of supplements. Read labels carefully. A person should also inform their healthcare provider if they plan to take these supplements.

While cooked garlic is usually safe to consume, research suggests that taking concentrated garlic may the risk of bleeding. This can be dangerous for people facing surgery or taking blood thinners.

Garlic concentrates may also reduce the usefulness of HIV medications.

Certain products should be avoided, including colloidal silver. This substance consists of microscopic pieces of silver suspended in water.

Colloidal silver has been recommended as a treatment for a variety of diseases, including the bubonic plague and HIV. However, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, it can be dangerous, and no credible studies back up these uses.

Taking colloidal silver supplements may interfere with the effectiveness of antibiotics and medication used to treat an underactive thyroid gland.

Silver can also build up in the body and turn the skin bluish-gray. This condition is called argyria and is permanent in most people.

Due to the current increase in drug-resistant diseases, most doctors do not prescribe antibiotics unless they are effective and necessary.

Antibiotics are most often prescribed to:

• scheduled for surgery

Does Strep Throat Need Antibiotics

Yes, because strep throat is a bacterial infection, it must be treated with antibiotics. When a doctor diagnoses strep throat, antibiotic treatment is typically started immediately to decrease the severity of symptoms, contagious spread, and the development of serious complications such as acute rheumatic fever.

While strep throat generally goes away on its own, if left untreated by antibiotics, strep throat can lead to serious inflammatory complications such as:

• Kidney inflammation
• Rheumatic fever
• PRA or poststreptococcal arthritis, an inflammation of the joints

For children, there may also be the risk of contracting pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder, or PANDAS. This can result in many physical and psychiatric symptoms such as emotional regression, tics, sensitivity to light and sound, hyperactivity, and memory problems.

Additionally, a strep carrier that does not receive antibiotic treatment will continue to be contagious and can spread the infection to others. Antibiotics are necessary to alleviate these risks.

Remedies And Treatments For Strep

Once you’re diagnosed, your doctor will prescribe a course of antibiotics to destroy the bacteria that caused the infection. That usually takes 24 to 48 hours. In the meantime, these home remedies for strep throat can alleviate your symptoms:

Rest and Sleep

When you’re sick, your body needs rest and sleep to fight the infection. Stay home from work, or if your child is sick, keep them home from school. Strep is easily spread and remains contagious until you’ve taken an antibiotic for 24 hours and no longer have a fever.

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water and clear fluids to keep your body hydrated. Keep the throat moist to alleviate pain when swallowing.

Eat Soft and Soothing Food

Soup, applesauce, oatmeal, mashed potatoes, yogurt, or a smoothie are good options. The list is endless, as long as the food is soft and easy to swallow. Cold foods like ice cream or popsicles help soothe your sore throat. Stay away from spicy foods or acidic fruits like oranges.

Turn on a Humidifier

Breathing moist air can relieve discomfort. Cool-mist humidifiers are best, but be sure to clean them daily to prevent mold and bacteria from building up. A nasal saline spray helps too.

Gargle With Salt Water

Add 1/4 teaspoon of salt into eight ounces of warm water. Take a sip, lift your head back, and gargle the mixture in your throat to relieve pain. Remind your kids to spit out the water instead of swallowing it.

Avoid Irritants

Prescription Medications

Read Also: How Long To Cure Bv With Antibiotics

Easy And Natural Home Remedies To Treat A Strep Throat Infection

Home remedies are always effective and they dont have any side effects like medicines . Use any of these 12 natural home remedies for strep throat infection. I am pretty sure you havent heard many of them before, to treat your strep throat infection, but you will surely start feeling better in a short time.

Signs You May Benefit From Seeing A Therapist

Its important to seek support for what matters most: your emotional well-being. Too often, we have a poor understanding of how to practice self-care, or we avoid it all together. And while self-care is something a mental health professional is likely to recommend to you, most agree that getting professional help from a licensed therapist should be a priority.

Don’t Miss: Antibiotics Used To Treat Sinus Infection

Is The Patient A Strep Carrier

A positive throat culture or a rapid strep test alone cannot distinguish between the patient with strep throat and the patient with an acute viral sore throat who is a chronic strep carrier. The strep carrier has a positive throat culture, but does not show symptoms of an acute strep infection or show a rise in strep antibody levels. In clinical practice, identifying a strep carrier is problematic.

Following treatment, the patient needs to be seen again to determine whether strep is present when the patient does not have a sore throat. In addition, antibody levels need to be drawn when the patient has a sore throat and then drawn again four to six weeks later to measure strep antibodies. If antibiotic therapy has been given to treat prior symptoms, it may suppress the antibody rise, thereby negating the usefulness of this test.

Natural Home Remedies For Strep Throat

There are many ways to help the body deal with infections. Home remedies for strep throat are varied and include many aspects such as diet, natural antiseptics, natural analgesics, or natural antibacterial cures. Used appropriately, home remedies for strep throat can speed up the process of healing by fighting bacteria and by stimulating the immune system of the body.Strep throat can occur to anyone at any time. Although children and teenagers are the ones who often get strep throat, adults may also be affected by this illness. Strep throat occurs due to infection with group A streptococcus bacteria. This type of bacteria is very contagious and can be easily transmitted through secretions or physical contact . Even perfect hygiene cant prevent strep throat from occurring, as the bacteria that cause the infection are also airborne. In some cases, you can contract the bacteria responsible for strep throat just by standing next to a contaminated person.

Although there are natural alternatives to medical antibiotics, they are considerably less effective in fighting bacteria on their own. Home remedies for strep throat that can act as antibiotics are garlic, honey, olive leaf extract, and tea tree oil. Such home remedies for strep throat can help in fighting infection and inflammation, but medical treatment shouldnt be ignored. In fact, most home remedies for strep throat should be used only in addition to medical treatment with antibiotics.

You May Like: Can I Get Over A Sinus Infection Without Antibiotics

Is The Patient Not Responding To Antibiotics

Even when all strep infections are laboratory confirmed with throat cultures or rapid strep detection tests, and the antibiotic is finished, failure to respond to treatment still occurs. The highest treatment failure rates observed are with penicillin about two-thirds of presumed strep throat infections are treated with either penicillin or amoxicillin. Penicillin and amoxicillin treatment failures vary geographically, and the incidence of penicillin treatment failures for strep throat infections may be rising. Patients most likely to experience a penicillin or amoxicillin treatment failure are those who have recently received treatment with these drugs and are then retreated with the same antibiotic.

What Else Do You Need To Make Your Decision

Check the facts

• Youre right. Most of the time, sore throats go away on their own. It may take a few days or up to a week, depending on the cause.
• Sorry, thats not right. Most of the time, sore throats go away on their own. It may take a few days or up to a week, depending on the cause.
• It may help to go back and read Get the Facts. Most of the time, sore throats go away on their own. It may take a few days or up to a week, depending on the cause.

• Youre right. Taking antibiotics too often or when you dont need them can be harmful and costly. The medicine may not work the next time you take it when you really do need it.
• Sorry, thats not right. Taking antibiotics too often or when you dont need them can be harmful and costly. The medicine may not work the next time you take it when you really do need it.
• It may help to go back and read Get the Facts. Taking antibiotics too often or when you dont need them can be harmful and costly. The medicine may not work the next time you take it when you really do need it.

• Sorry, thats not right. Most sore throats are caused by a virus, such as a cold. Antibiotics wont work for sore throats caused by a virus.
• Youre right. Most sore throats are caused by a virus, such as a cold. Antibiotics wont work for sore throats caused by a virus.
• It may help to go back and read Get the Facts. Most sore throats are caused by a virus, such as a cold. Antibiotics wont work for sore throats caused by a virus.

Also Check: Home Remedy Antibiotics For Toothache

What Is Strep Throat

Strep throat is a bacterial infection. Unlike a typical sore throat from a cold, strep throat results in a sudden, severe, painful sore throat that is usually covered in red or white spots at the back of the mouth.

Most people with strep throat have a fever of at least 101ºF.

If you have a cough, runny nose or hoarse voice, your sore throat is much more likely due to a cold or other virus.

Natural Treatment For Strep Throat Beyond Home Care

Get immediate medical attention:

if there is a severe sore throat and great difficulty swallowing, or if there is a lot of drooling or difficulty breathing.

Get medical attention today:

• if there is swelling in the area around the tonsils to the point of swelling or pushing the uvula to one side
• if a sore throat is accompanied by fever and a red rash that looks like sandpaper
• if a child has a severe sore throat, or a sore throat and fever, for more than a day or two. Adults can safely wait a few more days
• if there is white, silver, or yellow to green cover on the tonsils and/or throat

Read Also: Lingering Uti Symptoms After Antibiotics

Top Natural Remedies For Strep Throat

Many of us have been there at one point in our livesyou feel fine one day, but the next day you feel exhausted, your lymph nodes are swollen, and you have trouble swallowing. Perhaps you researched your symptoms online and the results suggested a condition called streptococcal pharyngitis, commonly known as strep throat.

In many cases, we seek out medical treatment to alleviate symptoms and support the healing process. Keep reading to understand the mechanics of strep throat, including preventative measures and natural remedies for strep throat.

Common signs and symptoms of strep throat include a sore throat, fever, and fatigue.

What Are The Recommended Dosages Of Antibiotics Used To Treat Strep Throat

Antibiotic dosages can vary depending on age and weight. The CDC recommends the following dosages of antibiotics for Strep throat, for those people without a penicillin allergy. One dosage regimen should be chosen that is appropriate for the person being treated.

Oral Penicillin V

• Children: 250mg twice daily or 250mg three times daily for 10 days
• Adolescents and adults: 250mg four times daily or 500mg twice daily for 10 days

Oral amoxicillin

• Children and adults: 50 mg/kg once daily for 10 days
• Children and adults: 25 mg/kg twice daily for 10 days

Intramuscular Benzathine penicillin G

• Children < 27 kg: 600 000 units as a single dose
• Children and adults 27 kg: 1 200 000 units as a single dose

The CDC recommends the following dosages of antibiotics for Strep throat, for those people with a penicillin allergy. One dosage regimen should be chosen that is appropriate for the person being treated.

• Oral cephalexin 20 mg/kg twice daily for 10 days
• Oral cefadroxil 30 mg/kg once daily for 10 days
• Oral clindamycin 7 mg/kg three times daily for 10 days
• Oral azithromycin 12 mg/kg once daily for the first day , followed by 6 mg/kg once daily for the next 4 days
• Oral clarithromycin 7.5 mg/kg twice daily for 10 days.

Don’t Miss: Over The Counter Antibiotics For Urinary Tract Infection

What Causes Strep Throat:

Streptococcus species is the causative agent of strep throat. These bacteria are the natural flora that reside in our nose and throat. They are easily transferred from person to person and are highly contagious.

When an infected person speaks, coughs orsneezes, tiny respiratory droplets containing these bacteria are released from the mouth that contaminate the surrounding air. When a healthy person inhales this contaminated air, they might catch the infection. In this way, you can get a strep throat infection.1

People might develop strep throat in the following ways:

• Drinking and eating from the same utensils as the infected person
• Touching things with those droplets on them and then touching the mouth or nose
• Breathing respiratory droplets that contain the bacteria
• Through food that is not handled correctly1

Also Read: Natural Home Remedies for Sinus Problems

When To See Your Doctor

If you suspect strep throat, call a doctor immediately. Strep is contagious until you’ve been on antibiotics for 24 to 48 hours. This means you should stay home from work, school, and daycare.

Your doctor will perform one or two tests to diagnose strep. The first is called a rapid antigen test, and it can detect strep bacteria within minutes. If that test is negative, he or she might perform a throat culture. This involves swabbing the throat, then sending it out to a lab to detect bacteria.

Strep can be dangerous if left untreated, so call your doctor right away. If strep bacteria spreads to other areas of the body, it can cause complications, including:

• Tonsil abscesses, or pockets of infection around the tonsils

Read Also: Can Bronchitis Be Treated With Antibiotics

What Happens If Strep Throat Goes Untreated

In most cases, your body will fight strep and youll bounce back.

But what if your strep throat isnt going away?

If symptoms last longer than 7 days, its time to consider an antibiotic. Complications of untreated strep throat include:

• Strep infecting the lungs, also known as pneumonia
• Spinal meninges, or meningitis

Its important to actively treat a strep infection, whether you opt for natural strep remedies or allopathic means.

Gargle Warm Salt Water

The first natural remedy is one of the best and easiest ways to relieve the symptoms of strep throat. Take some warm water and pour some salt in it, then simply gargle for a few seconds before spitting it out. When you gargle warm salt water, you will instantly feel better and, its best to do so multiple times throughout the day.

Recommended Reading: Low Dose Antibiotics For Uti

Avoid Drinking Alcohol And Smoking

Your throat is at the weakest when you are having strep throat infection. It is at risk. So, you should eat and drink with full care. Most importantly, stop eating and drinking things that can irritate your throat even more, such as alcohol and smoking. Also avoid deep-fried foods and processed foods.

If anyone is smoking near you, move away immediately. Care for your throat, and make health your priority.

Which Herbal Teas Can Be Used To Manage Strep Throat

Herbal teas, such as green tea, clove, chamomile, raspberry and peppermint tea maybe a great choice for managing strep throat infection. They may have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects to help fight the infection and relieve pain. Chamomile tea might be used as a lubricant if your voice is hoarse or in case of difficulty in speaking. Peppermint tea may help with throat pain by numbing thethroat.2

Read Also: Can Antibiotics Help With Gum Disease

Cayenne Pepper Or Hot Sauce

Often used as a pain reliever, cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, a natural compound known for blocking pain receptors.

Anecdotal evidence suggests ingesting cayenne mixed with warm water and honey can help with sore throat pain, but this hasnt been proven scientifically.

Start with a light sprinkle of cayenne or a few drops of hot sauce, as both can be very hot. Keep in mind that an initial burning sensation is common.

You should not take cayenne if you have open sores in your mouth.

Cold fluids can help to numb the pain from a sore throat. In addition to drinking cold fluids, you can also suck on an ice pop or ice cube.

An older 2012 survey asked people how they experienced and treated a sore throat. The results showed that participants used cold drinks more often when their sore throat was thought to be caused by physical or environmental factors as opposed to infections.

Air conditioning is an example of a physical factor, while environmental factors include secondhand smoke and air pollution.

Chicken soup is supposed to be a tried-and-true remedy for respiratory and throat conditions. Youve probably heard many anecdotes about this remedy, but an older study also supports its use.

The activity of various immune cells can contribute to inflammation, including in a sore throat. A 2000 study tested chicken soups ability to reduce the migration of specific immune cells, called neutrophils, in a laboratory setting.