Table of contents:
- When is it necessary to use antibiotics for laryngitis?
- The characteristics of strep throat caused by bacteria
- Types of antibiotics for laryngitis
- Home remedies for laryngitis
Sore throat may not be too dangerous, but it can cause annoying discomfort, especially pain when swallowing and speaking. For that, you need to treat it immediately. Antibiotics for laryngitis can be effective in curing, but not all sore throat conditions can be cured with antibiotics.
You need to know that there are many causes of sore throat, including viruses and bacteria. The use of antibiotics depends on what causes the sore throat.
When is it necessary to use antibiotics for laryngitis?
Sore throat or pharyngitis is most often caused by viral infections, such as colds or flu. Strep throat due to a virus should clear up on its own in less than a week.
However, inflammation of the throat can also be caused by a bacterial infection, namely Group A Streptococcus. strep throat .
Generally, strep throat due to this bacteria occurs in children aged 5-15 years, but people of all ages can experience it.
According to a study in the Journal Laboratory of Physicians, a Sreptococcus bacterial infection in the throat can be more serious than the virus that causes colds if it doesn't go away.
The reason is, this bacterial infection can cause problems around the throat such as inflammation of the tonsils (tonsillitis) or sinusitis. In addition, the infection can also spread to other tissues and cause rheumatic fever or inflammation of the kidneys, although these complications are rare.
To treat strep throat caused by bacteria, antibiotics prescribed by a doctor are needed. The next antibiotic needs to be consumed until it runs out within the time specified by the doctor.
Antibiotics are not effective in treating strep throat caused by viruses.
The characteristics of strep throat caused by bacteria
A Streptococcus bacterial infection can make your throat feel sore, dry, and itchy. As a result, you can experience symptoms such as difficulty swallowing and even speaking. Bacterial sore throat usually lasts more than a week and can be accompanied by fever.
Cough symptoms generally don't occur when you have strep throat due to bacteria. The reason is, almost every sore throat is caused by a virus causing symptoms such as coughing, nasal congestion, and sneezing.
In addition, the tonsils also often show a white coating. Bacterial infections can also cause lymph nodes in the neck to become enlarged, making them appear swollen.
You need to immediately consult a doctor for antibiotic treatment, especially if you experience symptoms of strep throat such as:
- The throat is very sore
- High fever above 38 degrees Celsius
- White patches appear on the tonsils
- The glands in the neck are swollen
- A rash appears on the skin
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty swallowing
Types of antibiotics for laryngitis
In determining whether a sore throat is caused by a viral or bacterial infection, a doctor can do rapid test or a swab test by taking a sample from the back of the throat. The sample will then be examined in the laboratory to determine the pathogen causing it.
If confirmed that the cause of strep throat is a Streptococcus bacterial infection, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics.
This antibiotic for strep throat works by killing bacteria, thereby stopping the inflammation as well as inhibiting the spread of bacteria to other tissues. In addition, treating sore throat through antibiotics will also relieve fever and sore throat symptoms.
There are several types of antibiotic drugs that are generally given by doctors to treat sore throat, including:
- Penicillin
- Amoxicillin
- Erythromycin
- Cephaplosporin
- Cefadroxil
- Clarithromycin
- Cefixime
Penicillin and amoxicillin are the most commonly prescribed antibiotics. However, cephalosporin (cefalexin) is an alternative for children who are allergic to both antibiotics.
The duration of antibiotic treatment can vary, depending on how severe the sore throat is.
It is important that you finish all the antibiotics your doctor prescribes to kill all the bacteria that cause strep throat. Stop taking antibiotics before they run out even though you feel that you are getting better, can cause the sore throat to recur.
In addition, the indiscriminate use of antibiotics also increases the risk of bacterial resistance, which is a condition in which bacteria are resistant to the effects of antibiotics.
Home remedies for laryngitis
While undergoing antibiotic treatment for laryngitis, it is better if you also do simple treatments at home.
Some of these things you can do to help relieve symptoms and speed healing. As:
- Gargle with a salt water solution several times a day.
- Increase the consumption of fluids such as drinking water or consuming warm broth soup.
- Consume throat lozenges such as lozenges.
- Avoid allergens and irritants such as smoke and chemicals.
- Using pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, to relieve pain
Treatment with antibiotics is effective in treating sore throat caused by a bacterial infection. Generally, there are no significant side effects from this antibiotic treatment. Even so, you still have to follow the instructions from your doctor to prevent recurrence of the disease and the risk of bacterial immunity.