How to Get Rid of a Throat Infection?

What is a Throat Infection?

Most of the time, children with strep infections do not show common cold symptoms, but they may complain of stomachaches and headaches. Symptoms usually appear suddenly and are accompanied by high fever (39–40°C) that does not subside even with fever-reducing medication.

Strep infections are relatively harmless, but they should be treated promptly to prevent complications, reduce the duration of illness, relieve symptoms, and stop the infection from spreading. If certain signs and symptoms indicate a bacterial origin, the doctor may take a throat swab from your child to confirm the diagnosis.

What Causes a Throat Infection?

Sore throat is one of the leading reasons for clinic visits, and about 40–50% of these cases are treated with antibiotics. However, fewer than half of the people receiving antibiotics actually have a bacterial infection. The rest mainly suffer from viral infections, which do not respond to antibiotics.

When used appropriately, antibiotics are very effective in fighting infections. However, inappropriate use can be harmful because these drugs may kill harmless bacteria that protect the body from harmful bacteria.

It is important to understand what constitutes appropriate (or unnecessary) use of antibiotics. If a doctor determines antibiotics are not needed, you should also learn not to insist on receiving a prescription.

How Does a Throat Infection Resolve?

Streptococci are present everywhere, including on the skin and in the throat of many people. They do not always cause illness, such as tonsillitis, but they are contagious. Like common cold viruses, they can spread to others through physical contact, coughing, sneezing, or touching someone with mucus or saliva. However, they are less contagious than cold viruses.

• The vast majority of strep throat infections resolve spontaneously without treatment.
• Even without seeing a doctor, the risk of acute rheumatic fever or meningitis is very low.
• Antibiotics are primarily used to prevent these very rare but serious complications, not to relieve throat pain symptoms.
• The most commonly used antibiotics for strep throat belong to the penicillin class.
• They are available by prescription and come in tablets, capsules, or oral suspensions.
• Depending on the antibiotic, they are usually prescribed for 5–10 days. Make sure to inform your doctor of any drug allergies.

How is Throat Infection Treated?

Most people who take antibiotics for sore throat do not have a bacterial infection and therefore do not benefit from these drugs. Antibiotics can even be harmful, leaving the body more vulnerable to infections.

Unless a bacterial infection is diagnosed or your doctor gives specific instructions, you should not take antibiotics for sore throat. However, if you are prescribed antibiotics, it is important to complete the full course to prevent the development of antibiotic resistance.