Treatment for Strep Throat
Strep throat will subside within 3 to 7 days with or without treatment. However, it should not be neglected, as there is a possibility of development of rheumatic fever. Antibiotics like penicillin may be suggested and should be taken for the prescribed period and never discontinued.1
Discontinuing the medication leads to the return of strep infection. Sometimes, penicillin may not prove effective in some people; in such cases, other antibiotics like amoxicillin, clindamycin, cephalosporin or erythromycin may be suggested. Antibiotics reduce the contagious period and prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of the body. Acetominophen or ibuprofen may be suggested for fever and pain.
In case virus is responsible for strep throat, then antipyretics or analgesics may be taken. Care should be taken to keep oneself hydrated with sufficient amount of liquids or I.V. fluids may be suggested.2
Early treatment is very much necessary to prevent the spread of the infection, prevention of rheumatic fever, shortening the symptoms and fast recovery.
Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: December 22,2008
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