Treatment of throat-related infections requires the use of antibiotics.The use of antibiotics depends entirely on the cause of that particular infection. A sore throat can be caused by infection or infection,but antibiotics are for infections. At Ascent ENT Specialty Centre, we treat all ENT-related conditions with care and precision, ensuring that each patient receives the best individual attention and treatment.Now let’s look at combining antibiotics with treatment.

Bacterial Illnesses :

Strep Throat: This is the main bacterial cause of sore throat. Doctors suggest antibiotics such as penicillin or amoxicillin when a patient is infected with group A streptococcus (GAS) bacteria. Shelf-stable antibiotics reduce the severity and duration of symptoms , avoiding complications (such as gangrene) and reducing the chances of spreading the infection to others.

Other Bacterial Infections:  Uncommon bacterial sources of sore throat are gonococcal pharyngitis (resulting from Neisseria gonorrhoeae) and diphtheria (resulting from Corynebacterium diphtheriae). These situations necessitate particular antibiotics depending on the bacteria present.

 Viral Infections:

The majority of sore throats result from viruses, like those that cause the common cold, influenza, or mononucleosis. In these instances, antibiotics are ineffective because viruses do not react to antibiotic therapy. Management of viral throat infections emphasizes alleviating symptoms, including the use of pain relievers, hydration, and adequate rest.

Why should we avoid Antibiotics in unnecessary cases?

Antibiotic Resistance: Excessive use of antibiotics, particularly for viral infections, can result in the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, complicating the treatment of future infections.

Adverse Effects: Antibiotics may lead to side effects such as stomach issues, allergic reactions, or yeast infections, which are not needed if the sore throat is caused by a virus.

A healthcare professional typically carries out a physical examination and might perform a rapid strep test or throat culture to identify whether the infection is bacterial or viral.

If a bacterial cause is suspected for the sore throat, a throat culture or rapid antigen test will be conducted.

To summarize:

Antibiotics are required solely for bacterial infections (such as strep throat).

Antibiotics are not effective for viral infections and should not be used.

A precise diagnosis by a medical professional is crucial to identify the right treatment.

If you or another person has a sore throat, it’s advisable to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment strategy