Strep throat is a common bacterial infection caused by a group A streptococcus bacterium. Strep throat symptoms include inflammation and pain in the throat that can affect children and adults of all ages. But it is especially affecting children between the ages of 5 and 15. Coughing, sneezing, sharing food/utensils, and other types of close contact with someone with strep throat and other direct contact with someone with a strep throat infection can spread from one individual to another. The condition is highly contagious; it usually spreads through small respiratory droplets that become airborne when some with strep throat cough or sneeze.
How to get rid of strep throat? As strep throat is a bacterial infection, a doctor usually prescribes an antibiotic as a strep throat medication. Antibiotics are effective in treating bacterial infections. Antibiotics for strep throat inhibit the spread of bacteria and infections. Avoid taking these medicines on your own, as these carry the risk of resistance. Your doctor may prescribe the best antibiotic for strep throat.
Treatment For Strep Throat
How to get rid of strep throat overnight? Strep throat can be treated, but it isn’t handled the same way as sore throats caused by colds and other viruses, so your doctor will likely perform a rapid strep test to ensure it’s strep. If the test were positive, your doctor would probably recommend an antibiotic to destroy the bacteria causing it. One must rest to help get better faster. Sometimes, over-the-counter medicines strep throat and home remedies for strep throat ease symptoms. You can buy antibiotics online to treat strep throat.
Antibiotics
This class of drugs can kill the group A streptococcus bacteria that cause strep throat. They will only work by killing the bacteria. Antibiotics for sore throat do not work by infections caused by viruses.
What does an Antibiotic do? Antibiotics work in the following ways:
-
- Strep antibiotics provide relief from sore throat and other symptoms when they are caused by strep
- The strep throat medicine improves your child’s condition
- The use of strep antibiotics makes it less likely to spread to others
- The best antibiotic for strep throat infection helps prevent associated complications such as sinus and tonsil infections and more serious rheumatic fever.
The best antibiotics for throat infections are Penicillin and Amoxicillin. They are the first-line treatments because they are effective, safe, and inexpensive. Those who are allergic to penicillin may be able to take other antibiotics, including:
-
- Azithromycin
- Clarithromycin
- Cephalosporins such as cefuroxime, cephalexin, and cefixime
- Clindamycin
Your child usually takes antibiotics orally 1 to 3 times daily. Sometimes, doctors prescribe these medicines in the form of injections.
Side effects of Antibiotics
Antibiotics for throat infections sometimes cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomachache, and appetite loss. Most of these side effects are mild and resolve independently once your child finishes the medicine. If they persist or become troublesome, speak to your doctor. Some people get allergic to antibiotics, and symptoms of an allergic reaction include dizziness, rash, wheezing, fast heartbeat, and trouble breathing. Speak to your doctor if your child develops any of these symptoms immediately.
How long does it take to take antibiotics?
Doctors usually prescribe antibiotics to treat strep throat for about ten days. Children prescribed these antibacterial drugs usually feel better two days after treatment. Once they have been given an antibiotic for about 24 hours, they are no longer contagious, and they can return to their school and sports classes. Even after kids begin to feel better, they should finish the treatment. There are chances some bacteria may be alive if you discontinue treatment too soon. If the infectious throat is left untreated, it might lead to complications such as:
-
- Kidney problems
- Sinus and tonsil infections
- Rheumatic fever can affect your heart, brain, and joints
Early discontinuation of an antibiotic for throat infection may cause strep to become resistant to the medication. This means another case of throat infection would be much harder to control. So, it is best to consult a doctor before discontinuing the medicine.
Home care for Strep Throat
Is strep throat treatment without antibiotics possible? How to treat strep throat at home? Well, severe cases must be treated under the guidance of a doctor. Until the prescription antibiotics begin to work, these natural remedies for strep throat can help your child feel better.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines: Patients may take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to eliminate the fever associated with the sore throat. Do not give aspirin to children and teens as it can be rare, but it is a serious health complication called Reye’s syndrome.
Gargling: An effective strep throat treatment at home, gargling involves rinsing your throat with a mixture of a quarter teaspoon of salt and some water to relieve sore throat.
Rest: Let your child stay home until they get rid of strep throat. Your child needs extra rest to help the body fight against bacterial infection.
Drink plenty of fluids: Drink lots of fluids, especially if you have a fever. Warm liquids such as tea or soup soothe your itchy throat and keep you hydrated. If you are comfortable with something cold on your throat, suck on ice chips. Avoid drinking lemonade, orange juice, or other acidic drinks, which can burn your throat.
Avoid anything that might bother your throat, like paint fumes, cigarette smoke, or cleaning products.
Conclusion
Many people turn to antibiotics for strep throat to ease the pain and fever associated with the condition. Your doctor will prescribe the antibiotic for sore throat infection. You or your child must complete the full course of treatment even if they think the symptoms are gone. Furthermore, regardless of the cause, certain at-home treatments for strep throat can help you ease your or your child’s symptoms.
Also Read: The Pros and Cons of Antibiotic Use: What You Need to Know
