Most throat infections are caused by certain strains of viruses linked to a cold or the flu. In this situation, no treatment is necessary as the infection will go away on its own. But when this infection is caused by the Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria, you have what is called strep throat, and treatment is necessary to cure the condition. If you suspect that the infection is strep throat, contact your doctor, since proper treatment requires a prescription medication.
Prescription Cures
With a throat infection caused by Streptococcus, most doctors prescribe an oral antibiotic to treat the condition. Amoxicillin is one of the more common medications prescribed today, but you may instead be given a prescription for penicillin, clarithromycin or azithromycin to kill the bacteria. Sometimes, cephalosporin is even used, especially when the bacteria is resistant to amoxicillin. All of these medications serve to impede the growth process of the organism as well as kill the actual bacteria.
As you begin to take the prescribed medication, it shouldn't take long to feel its effects. Most people feel slightly better in as little as day of taking the prescription. However, just because you feel an improvement doesn't mean you should stop taking the medication. Make sure to continue using the drug for its allotted period of time. Any less may prompt a recurrence of the throat infection.
Self-Care Treatment
While you treat the throat infection with a prescription medication, consider using an over-the-counter pain reliever to lessen the associated symptoms of the condition, like headache or fever. Ibuprofen works well in this situation, but make sure to talk to your doctor before using this anti-inflammatory with your treatment plan.
To aid in curing your throat infection, put into place some simple self-care measures. Rest is probably one of the best things you can do for any sort of infection, since it can help the body fight of the bacteria itself as well as speed up the recovery process. From there, drink plenty of fluids and eat softer foods. Both of these factors keep the throat properly hydrated and lessen any irritation you may be experiencing. Water and juice are two of the best fluid options, and foods like oatmeal, applesauce and soup are all great choices to turn to when dealing with a throat infection.
You may also want to consider investing in a humidifier. Though this won't cure a throat infection, these devices keep moisture in the air and lessen any soreness you may be experiencing from the condition.
Tags: throat infection, caused Streptococcus, infection caused, infection caused Streptococcus, prescription medication