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Strep Throat: Antibiotics
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Strep throat is an infection of the throat caused by bacteria called Streptococci. There are different types of streptococci. The type that causes serious sore throats and should be treated with antibiotics is called group A strep.
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Strep produces a self-limited localized inflammation of the throat, generally lasting 3-5 days. Antibiotic treatment, if prompt and appropriate, reduces the duration of symptoms, shortens the period of contagion and reduces the risk of localized spread and complications. A major objective of administering antibiotics is to prevent rheumatic fever and possibly reduce the occurrence of post-strep kidney damage.
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The throat of the patient is swabbed for culture or for a Rapid Strep Test (5 to 15 min), which can be done in the doctor's office. A rapid test tests for the presence of a carbohydrate antigen unique to Group A Streptococcus. If the rapid test is negative, a follow-up culture (which takes 24 to 48 hours) may be performed if all or most symptoms of strep throat are present. A negative culture could suggest a viral infection, in which case antibiotic treatment should be withheld or discontinued. A doctor may perform further examination as it still may be possible that the patient is suffering from a bacterial infection. It is possible to test too early, and testing can give a false negative.
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Strep throat is a bacterial infection at the back of the throat caused by the streptococcal bacterium. If diagnosed and treated immediately with antibiotics it is easily contained. If not treated, it could lead to more serious complications.
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Back to strep, once you prove that group A strep is the cause of the sore throat, you should treat it with a specific antibiotic that is effective against strep. Penicillin (the really yucky tasting stuff) is most effective, so that is the preferred treatment if you are taking pills. Macrolides (like azithromycin or erythromycin) are the first choice for anyone allergic to penicillin. Other drugs similar to penicillin, like amoxicillin, are ... effective. Tetracycline and sulfa-type drugs are NOT effective.
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If you have strep throat, you'll need prompt treatment with antibiotics to kill the bacteria. If left untreated, the strep bacteria can spread to other parts of your body and cause more serious problems such as rheumatic fever or kidney infection. Fortunately, antibiotics work well to knock out strep, so you can avoid these conditions. Once you're on medication, your recovery is usually just a matter of rest and simple home care to ease your symptoms. You'll most likely feel better in just one to three days.
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