Antibiotics for Strep Throat

Before talking about the different types of antibiotics for strep throat, let us get acquaint with what exactly is strep throat. Strep throat is an infection of mucous membranes lining the pharynx, caused by a bacteria belonging to the group A Streptococcus. It is contagious and more common among school children as large number of students are present in an enclosed space. Since the bacteria are present in the nose and throat of the infected person, it gets easily transmitted from one person to another by coughing, sneezing and close contact. It spreads by direct contact with saliva or nasal discharge from an infected person. People who smoke, who are fatigue, or live in damp conditions are more prone to get infected by strep throat.

Signs and Symptoms of Strep Throat
The symptoms of strep throat usually include:

• High fever
• Decreased appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Swollen lymph glands
• Bright red tongue
• Stomach ache in the lower abdomen
• Thick colorful nose drainage
• Roof of the mouth having small red spots

Diagnosis of Strep Throat
Strep throat can be diagnosed by conducting one or both of the following tests:

• Rapid Strep Test: This test helps the patient to get a diagnosis within five minutes. The doctor uses a cotton swab to collect the cells from the back of the throat.
• Throat Culture Test: The doctor takes a swab from the back of the throat and place in a container with other substances that promote the bacterial growth. It takes 24-48 hours to detect the presence of the thriving strep cells, and if the strep bacteria grow, the culture is positive, else it is negative.

Antibiotics for Strep Throat
Antibiotics like penicillin, cephalexin or amoxicillin are used to treat patients suffering from strep throat. Antibiotics for strep throat are highly effective and should be given within 48 to 72 hours after the symptoms begin. They kill the bacteria and make the patient noncontagious within 24 hours after starting the antibiotics. Sometimes the bacteria can spread to other parts of the body causing ear or sinus infections, or an abscess behind or around the tonsils. Hence, the antibiotics minimize the risk of bacteria spreading to other parts of the body. They prevent the bacteria from triggering the immune system and causing serious complications. The doctor may also prescribe some non-prescription medicines like acetaminophen or anesthetic throat sprays to help reduce the pain, irritation and fever caused by strep throat. Although antibiotics have many medicinal benefits, they should always be taken under a doctor's supervision, as sometimes these antibiotics can cause side-effects like skin rashes, diarrhea, nausea, etc.

Along with these antibiotics for strep throat, some self-care tips should also be followed to get relief from the infection. Intake of fluids will keep your body hydrated, and gargling with salt water will ease you from the aching throat. Certain herbal teas are also beneficial in reducing the symptoms and effecting some relief. All in all, adequate sleep, rest, proper and timely medications are the key treatments for strep throat.