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: expert Advice on Avoiding Unnecessary Antibiotics
**World-Today-News Exclusive Interview**
**dr. Sarafoleanu Code**, General Secretary of the Romanian Society of Rhinology, spearheads a crucial campaign to curb antibiotic misuse this fall. We spoke with Dr. Code about the “You Know for a Fact – How to treat a Sore Throat Correctly” initiative, aiming to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare.
**World-Today-News:** Dr. Code, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. The “You Know for a fact” campaign is a timely initiative,especially with the approach of colder months.Could you elaborate on the need for such a campaign?
**Dr. Code:** Certainly. Sore throats are incredibly common,especially during the fall and winter seasons. Sadly, many people automatically reach for antibiotics at the first sign of a scratchy throat.This practice is not only ineffective against viral infections,wich are the primary cause of sore throats,but it also contributes to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.Our campaign aims to educate the public on the difference between viral and bacterial sore throats, empowering them to seek appropriate treatment and use antibiotics responsibly.
**World-Today-News:** you mentioned that most sore throats are viral. Could you elaborate on the typical symptoms associated with viral sore throats?
**Dr. Code:** Absolutely. Viral sore throats are usually accompanied by other symptoms like runny nose, cough, sneezing, and sometimes fever. The throat pain itself tends to be milder compared to bacterial sore throats.
**World-Today-News:** What about bacterial sore throats? How can someone tell the difference?
**Dr. Code:** Bacterial sore throats, such as strep throat, typically present with more intense pain, often making swallowing difficult. Fever is also common, and you may notice white patches on the tonsils.Importantly, these sore throats rarely accompany symptoms like runny nose or cough.
**World-Today-News:** If someone suspects they have a bacterial sore throat, what should they do?
**Dr. Code:** It’s crucial to consult a doctor for diagnosis and appropriate treatment. They can perform a fast throat swab test to confirm the presence of bacteria and prescribe antibiotics if necessary. Self-treating with antibiotics without a proper diagnosis only strengthens antibiotic resistance which poses a serious threat to public health.
**World-Today-News:** What are some home remedies that can help soothe a sore throat irrespective of the cause?
**Dr. Code:** There are several things you can do to ease the discomfort. Gargling with saltwater several times a day, staying hydrated, using lozenges, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers are all beneficial.
**World-Today-News:** what message would you like to leave our readers with?
**Dr. Code:** Knowledge is power. by understanding the difference between viral and bacterial sore throats, we can make informed decisions about our health and contribute to the fight against antibiotic resistance. Remember, antibiotics are precious resources, and they should only be used when truly necessary.
**World-Today-News:** Thank you, Dr. Code, for your insightful facts.Your insights are crucial in guiding our readers towards responsible healthcare practices.
