Sore Throats: Know the Difference to Avoid Unnecessary Antibiotics
This fall, healthcare professionals in Romania are urging the public to sharpen their knowledge about sore throats.
The Romanian Society of Rhinology has launched a campaign titled "You Know for a Fact – How to Treat a Sore Throat Correctly" in conjunction with World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW). This initiative aims to empower individuals to accurately identify the type of sore throat they have, differentiate between viral and bacterial causes, and ultimately reduce the misuse of antibiotics.
"We encourage patients to begin treating their symptoms at home according to the medication instructions and seek medical attention if their condition worsens," said Professor Dr. Sarafoleanu Code, the General Secretary of the Romanian Society of Rhinology. "It is crucial for patients to recognize the type of sore throat and the nature of respiratory tract infections, fully understanding the accompanying symptoms."
Viral Enemies
The majority of sore throats stem from viral infections. In fact, a staggering 90% are determined to be viral in nature and require no antibiotic treatment. Antibiotic medications are reserved specifically for bacterial infections such as bacterial tonsillitis.
Common culprits behind viral sore throats include:
- The common cold
- Influenza (the flu)
- Mononucleosis (Mono)
- Measles
- Chickenpox
- COVID-19
- Laryngeal croup (a childhood illness characterized by a harsh "barking" cough)
Most viral sore throats typically resolve on their own within a week, often with the use of symptomatic relief measures like lozenges.
Bacterial Battleground
While less frequent, bacterial infections can also cause sore throats. The most common bacterial culprit is Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus), the bacterium responsible for strep throat.
Antibiotic Abuse: A Growing Concern
A recent study titled "Attitudes, perceptions and knowledge regarding antibiotic use for respiratory illness and antibiotic resistance in Romania," published in the Romanian Journal of Rhinology, shines a light on the concerning trend of antibiotic misuse.
The study, supported by the Global Respiratory Partnership (GRIP), revealed that 40% of adults surveyed had taken antibiotics for a respiratory ailment like a sore throat, despite antibiotics being ineffective in 90% of cold and flu cases. Many Romanians expressed a lack of trust in their ability to recover from colds or flu without antibiotics.
Highlighting common misconceptions, 52% of survey participants believed that antibiotics could eliminate viruses, 47% believed antibiotics were effective against sore throats, and 48% believed they provided pain relief.
These findings underscore the urgent need to raise awareness about responsible antibiotic use.
The Global Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a growing global health crisis. AMR occurs when microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, become resistant to the medications designed to combat them.
As a result, antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents become powerless against these infections. Infections become harder to treat, leading potentially to more severe illnesses, increased spread, and even death.
The World Health Organization estimates that by 2050, antibiotic-resistant infections could claim 10 million lives annually – that’s one person lost every three seconds.
Developing new antibiotics is an arduous and costly process, often taking 10-15 years and exceeding $1 billion per drug.
This highlights the critical importance of preserving the effectiveness of existing antibiotics by using them cautiously and only when necessary.
2024-11-29 15:44:00
#respiratory #tract #infections #viral #require #antibiotics
## Sore Throats: Know the Difference to Avoid Unnecessary Antibiotics
**An interview with Professor Dr. Sarafoleanu Code, General Secretary of the Romanian Society of Rhinology.**
**World Today News:** Professor Code, thank you for joining us. Can you tell us why the Romanian Society of Rhinology felt it necessary to launch this campaign here in Romania during World Antimicrobial Awareness Week?
**Professor Code:** thank you for having me. As you know, Romania, like many countries, is facing a growing problem with antibiotic resistance.This means that the antibiotics we rely on to treat bacterial infections are becoming less effective. Sore throats are incredibly common, especially during this time of year, and a vast majority are caused by viruses, not bacteria. Unfortunately, many people expect antibiotics for any sore throat, leading to their overuse and contributing to this resistance problem. Our campaign aims to educate the public about the difference between viral and bacterial sore throats,empowering them to make informed decisions about their health and avoid unnecessary antibiotics.
**World Today news:** What should people look for when trying to determine if their sore throat is viral or bacterial?
**Professor Code:** ThatS an excellent question.While it can be tough to differentiate without a medical professional’s assessment, there are some general signs. Viral sore throats frequently enough come with other cold-like symptoms: runny nose, cough, sneezing, headache, and low-grade fever. You might also notice swollen glands in your neck. Typically, these symptoms resolve on their own within a week or so.
Bacterial sore throats, like those caused by strep throat, usually involve a more sudden onset of a severe sore throat, sometimes with white patches on the tonsils, high fever, and swollen lymph nodes. If you experience these symptoms, it’s crucial to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
**World Today News:** What are some home remedies people can use to relieve the discomfort of a viral sore throat?
**Professor Code:** there are several effective home remedies that can provide relief:
* **Rest:** Give your body time to fight the virus by getting plenty of sleep.
* **Hydrate:** Drink lots of fluids, like water, broth, and herbal teas, to soothe your throat and prevent dehydration.
* **Gargle:** Gargling with warm salt water can definitely help reduce inflammation and pain.
* **Lozenges:** Sucking on lozenges can help moisturize your throat and relieve irritation.
* **Humidifier:** Using a humidifier or taking a hot shower can add moisture to the air and ease dryness in your throat.
**World Today News:** What message would you like to leave our readers with today?
**Professor Code:** remember, knowledge is power. By understanding the difference between viral and bacterial sore throats, you can definitely help protect yourself and your community from the dangers of antibiotic resistance. If you have concerns about your sore throat, don’t hesitate to consult your doctor.Together, we can promote responsible antibiotic use and keep these essential medicines effective for future generations.
**World Today News:** Professor Code, thank you for your time and valuable insights.
