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Diseases » Strep throat » Treatments
 

Treatments for Strep throat

Treatments for Strep throat

The list of treatments mentioned in various sources for Strep throat includes the following list. Always seek professional medical advice about any treatment or change in treatment plans.

Strep throat: Is the Diagnosis Correct?

The first step in getting correct treatment is to get a correct diagnosis. Differential diagnosis list for Strep throat may include:

Strep throat: Marketplace Products, Discounts & Offers

Products, offers and promotion categories available for Strep throat:

Strep throat: Research Doctors & Specialists

Research all specialists including ratings, affiliations, and sanctions.

Drugs and Medications used to treat Strep throat:

Note:You must always seek professional medical advice about any prescription drug, OTC drug, medication, treatment or change in treatment plans.

Some of the different medications used in the treatment of Strep throat include:

  • Macrolide antibiotics
  • Azithromycin
  • Zithromax
  • Clarithromycin
  • Biaxin
  • Biaxin XL
  • Biaxin XL Pac
  • Erythromycin
  • Apo-Erythro Base
  • Apo-Erythro E-C
  • Apo-Erytrho-ES
  • Apo-Erythro-S
  • E.E.S
  • E.E.S. 200
  • E.E.S. 400
  • E-Mycin Controlled Release
  • E-MycinE
  • E-Mycin 333
  • Eramycin
  • Erybid
  • ERYC
  • EryPed
  • Eryphar
  • Ery-Tab
  • Erythrocin
  • Erythromid
  • Ethril
  • ETS-2%
  • Ilosone
  • Ilotycin
  • Novo-Rythro
  • PCE
  • Pediamycin
  • Pediazole
  • PMS-Erythromycin
  • Robimycin
  • SK-Erythromycin
  • Wyamycin E
  • Wyamycin S

Hospital statistics for Strep throat:

These medical statistics relate to hospitals, hospitalization and Strep throat:

  • 0.019% (2,467) of hospital consultant episodes were for pneumonia due to streptococcus pneumoniae in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
  • 66% of hospital consultant episodes for pneumonia due to streptococcus pneumoniae required hospital admission in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
  • 51% of hospital consultant episodes for pneumonia due to streptococcus pneumoniae were for men in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
  • 49% of hospital consultant episodes for pneumonia due to streptococcus pneumoniae were for women in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
  • 94% of hospital consultant episodes for pneumonia due to streptococcus pneumoniae required emergency hospital admission in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
  • more hospital information...»

Hospitals & Medical Clinics: Strep throat

Research quality ratings and patient incidents/safety measures for hospitals and medical facilities in specialties related to Strep throat:

Hospital & Clinic quality ratings » »

Choosing the Best Treatment Hospital: More general information, not necessarily in relation to Strep throat, on hospital and medical facility performance and surgical care quality:

Discussion of treatments for Strep throat:

Antibiotic treatment will reduce symptoms, minimize spread (transmission), and reduce the likelihood of complications. Treatment consists of penicillin (oral drug for 10 days; or single intramuscular injection of penicillin G). Erythromycin is recommended for penicillin-allergic patients. Second-line antibiotics include amoxicillin, clindamycin, and oral cephalosporins. Although symptoms subside within 4 days even without treatment, it is very important to complete the full course of antibiotics to prevent complications. (Source: excerpt from Group A Streptococcal Infections, NIAID Fact Sheet: NIAID)

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Book Excerpts: Treatment of Strep throat

Treatments of Strep throat: Online Medical Books

16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about the treatments of Strep throat.

Sore Throat: Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)

  • Viral pharyngitis: Treat symptomatically with hydration, decongestants, saline nasal spray, analgesics, and rest
  • Strep pharyngitis: Appropriate antibiotics (e.g., penicillin, erythromycin) and symptomatic treatment with analgesics
  • Mononucleosis: Symptomatic treatment with analgesics; limit contact sports if splenomegaly is present
    –Hospitalization in patients with encephalitis, airway compromise, or dehydration due to nausea/vomiting secondary to hepatitis
  • Allergic pharyngitis: Antihistamines, nasal steroids
  • Foreign body: Protect airway; removal by ENT doctor
  • GERD: H2 blockers (e.g., ranitidine) or proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole), elevate head of bed, weight loss, small meals

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004

Sore Throat: Treatment
(In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)

    • Viral causes
      –Supportive care including hydration, acetaminophen or ibuprofen, bedrest, salt water rinses
      –Steroids may be considered to minimize upper airway obstruction
    • Antibiotics for bacterial etiologies
      –For group A β-hemolytic strep: Shortens duration of symptoms and prevents rheumatic fever
  • Consider inpatient admission when there is concern about adequate airway or oral intake
  • Airway management: Intubation or tracheotomy
  • When gastroesophageal reflux is suspected, treatment may include dietary changes, antireflux therapy
  • Adenotonsillectomy for recurrent tonsillitis is considered depending on frequency of recurrence, i.e., 6–7 infections/year, or 4–5 infections/year for 2 years, or 3 infections/year for 3 years

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms, 2007

Gag reflex abnormalities [Pharyngeal reflex abnormalities]: Emergency interventions
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))

If you detect an abnormal gag reflex, immediately stop the patient’s oral intake to prevent aspiration. Quickly evaluate his level of consciousness (LOC). If it’s decreased, place him in a side-lying position to prevent aspiration; if not, place him in Fowler’s position. Have suction equipment at hand.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), 2006

Acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis: Treatment
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

The goals of treatment are relief of symptoms and prevention of complications. Vigorous supportive care includes bed rest, fluid and dietary sodium restrictions, and correction of electrolyte imbalances (possibly with dialysis, although this is rarely necessary). Therapy may include diuretics to reduce extracellular fluid overload and an antihypertensive. The use of antibiotics is recommended for 7 to 10 days if staphylococcal infection is documented. Otherwise, antibiotic use is controversial.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005

Pharyngitis: Treatment
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

Treatment for acute viral pharyngitis is usually symptomatic and consists mainly of rest, warm saline gargles, throat lozenges containing a mild anesthetic, plenty of fluids, and analgesics as needed. If the patient can’t swallow fluids, I.V. hydration may be required.

Suspected bacterial pharyngitis requires rigorous treatment with penicillin or another broad-spectrum antibiotic because Streptococcus is the chief infecting organism. Antibiotic therapy should continue for 48 hours until culture results are back. If the culture (or a rapid strep test) is positive for group A beta-hemolytic streptococci, or if bacterial infection is suspected despite negative culture results, penicillin therapy should be continued for 10 days. This is to prevent the sequelae of acute rheumatic fever.

Chronic pharyngitis requires the same supportive measures as acute pharyngitis but with greater emphasis on eliminating the underlying cause, such as an allergen. Preventive measures include adequate humidification and avoiding excessive exposure to air conditioning. In addition, the patient should be urged to stop smoking.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005

Throat abscesses: Treatment
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

For early-stage peritonsillar abscess, large doses of penicillin or another broad-spectrum antibiotic are necessary. If the patient is immunocompromised or has been repeatedly hospitalized, antibiotic therapy should include coverage for staphylococci and gram-negative organisms. For late-stage abscess, with cellulitis of the tonsillar space, primary treatment is usually incision and drainage under a local anesthetic, followed by antibiotic therapy for 7 to 10 days. Tonsillectomy, scheduled no sooner than 1 month after healing, prevents recurrence but is recommended only after several episodes.

In acute retropharyngeal abscess, the primary treatment is incision and drainage through the pharyngeal wall. It’s considered a surgical emergency. In chronic retropharyngeal abscess, drainage is performed through an external incision behind the sternomastoid muscle. During incision and drainage, strong, continuous mouth suction is necessary to prevent aspiration of pus, and the head should be kept down. Postoperative drug therapy includes I.V. antibiotics (usually penicillin or clindamycin) and analgesics.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005

Mouth lesions: Patient counseling
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))

Instruct the patient to avoid irritants, such as highly seasoned foods, citrus fruits, foods that contain salt or vinegar, alcohol, and tobacco. For mouth care, warn against using lemon-glycerin swabs because these can dry and irritate the lesions.

As appropriate, teach the patient proper oral hygiene. If toothbrushing is contraindicated, instruct him to use a mouth rinse, such as normal saline solution or half-strength hydrogen peroxide, and to avoid commercial mouthwashes that contain alcohol. Stress the importance of frequently changing to a new toothbrush. If the patient uses an inhaled steroid, instruct him to rinse his mouth after each use. Also, tell him to report mouth lesions that don’t heal within 2 weeks.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006

Throat pain: Patient counseling
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))

If the patient is taking antibiotics, stress the importance of completing the 10-day course of treatment, even if symptoms improve after only a few days. Tell the patient that he’s presumed noninfectious after 24 hours of antibiotic coverage. Suggest gargling with salt water to soothe the throat.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006

Gag reflex abnormalities [Pharyngeal reflex abnormalities]: Emergency interventions
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))

If you detect an abnormal gag reflex, immediately stop the patient’s oral intake to prevent aspiration. Quickly evaluate his level of consciousness (LOC). If it’s decreased, place him in a side-lying position to prevent aspiration; if not, place him in Fowler’s position. Have suction equipment at hand.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006

Glomerulo-nephritis, acute poststreptococcal: Treatment
(Handbook of Diseases)

The goals of treatment are relief of symptoms and prevention of complications. Vigorous supportive care includes bed rest, fluid and dietary sodium restrictions, and correction of electrolyte imbalances (possibly with dialysis, although this is seldom necessary).

Therapy may include diuretics, such as metolazone and furosemide, to reduce extracellular fluid overload and an antihypertensive such as hydralazine. The use of antibiotics to prevent secondary infection or transmission to others is controversial.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003

Pharyngitis: Treatment
(Handbook of Diseases)

The focus of treatment for acute and chronic pharyngitis varies.

Acute pharyngitis

With acute viral pharyngitis, treatment is usually symptomatic and consists mainly of rest, warm saline gargles, throat lozenges containing a mild anesthetic, at least 2 qt (2 L) of fluid daily, and analgesics as needed. If the patient can’t swallow fluids, hospitalization may be required for I.V. hydration.

Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial pharyngitis, which is diagnosed by a culture (or rapid strep test) that’s positive for group A beta-hemolytic streptococci. If bacterial infection is suspected despite negative culture results, antibiotic therapy may be indicated in select patients (those who are immunosuppressed or otherwise at high-risk) to prevent the sequelae of acute rheumatic fever, glomerulonephritis, bacteremia, or streptococcal shock syndrome.

Chronic pharyngitis

Treatment for chronic pharyngitis requires the same supportive measures as that for acute pharyngitis but with greater emphasis on eliminating the underlying cause such as an allergen. Preventive measures include humidying the air and avoiding excessive exposure to air conditioning. In addition, the patient should be urged to stop smoking, if appropriate.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003

Mouth lesions: Patient counseling
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)

Instruct the patient to avoid irritants, such as highly seasoned foods, citrus fruits, alcohol, tobacco, and foods that contain salt or vinegar. For mouth care, warn against using lemon-glycerin swabs because these can dry and irritate the lesions.

As appropriate, teach the patient proper oral hygiene. If toothbrushing is contraindicated, instruct him to use a mouth rinse, such as normal saline solution or half-strength hydrogen peroxide, and to avoid commercial mouthwashes that contain alcohol. Stress the importance of frequently changing to a new toothbrush. If the patient uses an inhaled steroid, instruct him to rinse his mouth after each use. Also tell him to report any mouth lesions that don’t heal within 2 weeks.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007

Throat pain: Patient counseling
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)

If the patient is taking antibiotics, stress the importance of completing the full course of treatment, even if symptoms improve after only a few days. Tell the patient that he’s presumed noninfectious after 24 hours of antibiotic coverage. Suggest gargling with salt water to soothe the throat.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007

Mouth lesions: Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)

▪ If the patient's mouth ulcers are painful, provide a topical anesthetic such as lidocaine.

▪ Encourage or provide regular oral hygiene.

Patient teaching

▪ Tell the patient which irritants he should avoid.

▪ Teach proper mouth care and oral hygiene.

▪ Review any prescribed medications.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007

Throat pain: Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)

▪ Provide analgesic sprays or lozenges to relieve throat pain.

▪ Prepare the patient for throat culture, complete blood count, and a Monospot test.

Patient teaching

▪ Explain the underlying disorder and treatment plan.

▪ Explain the importance of taking the full course of antibiotics, as ordered.

▪ Discuss ways to soothe the throat.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007

Gag reflex abnormalities [Pharyngeal reflex abnormalities]: Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)

▪ Frequently assess the patient's ability to swallow.

▪ If his gag reflex is absent, provide tube feedings.

▪ If the gag reflex is diminished, provide pureed foods.

▪ Stay with him while he eats and observe for choking.

▪ Keep suction equipment handy in case of aspiration.

▪ Maintain accurate intake and output records.

▪ Assess the patient's nutritional status daily.

▪ Refer the patient to a speech therapist to determine his aspiration risk and develop an exercise program to strengthen specific muscles.

▪ Prepare the patient for diagnostic studies, such as swallow studies, a computed tomography scan, magnetic resonance imaging, EEG, lumbar puncture, and arteriography.

Patient teaching

▪ Advise the patient to eat small amounts slowly while sitting or in high Fowler's position.

▪ Teach him techniques for safe swallowing.

▪ Discuss the types and textures of foods that reduce the risk of choking.

» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007



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