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 Expert Interview with Dr. Sarafoleanu Code**
**World Today News:** Professor Dr. Code, thank you for joining us today to discuss the Romanian Society of Rhinology’s important campaign on sore throats. As we enter cold and flu season, this is timely data for the public.
**Dr. Sarafoleanu Code:** Thank you for having me. We believe it is crucial for people to understand the nature of sore throats and avoid unnecessary antibiotic use.
**World Today News:** You mentioned this campaign focused on educating the public. Can you elaborate on why this is so important, especially regarding antibiotic use?
**Dr. Sarafoleanu Code:** Absolutely. Moast sore throats,around 90%,are caused by viruses. Antibiotics are only effective against bacteria, not viruses. Taking antibiotics for a viral sore throat won’t make you feel better any faster and can contribute to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.resistance occurs when bacteria evolve to withstand the effects of antibiotics, making infections harder to treat in the future.
**World Today News:** That’s a very serious concern. What are some key differences between viral and bacterial sore throats that the public should be aware of?
**Dr. Sarafoleanu Code:** While symptoms can overlap, there are some distinctions. Viral sore throats often come with runny nose, congestion, cough, and low-grade fever. They tend to resolve within 5-7 days. Bacterial sore throats, such as those caused by strep throat, may present with a more severe sore throat, high fever, swollen tonsils with white patches, and tender lymph nodes.
**World Today News:** So, when should someone seek medical attention for a sore throat?
**Dr. Sarafoleanu Code:** It’s always best to err on the side of caution.If your sore throat is accompanied by a high fever, difficulty breathing or swallowing, swollen glands in your neck, a rash, or if your symptoms worsen after a few days, seek medical attention promptly.
**World Today News:** What are some effective home remedies for viral sore throats?
**Dr. Sarafoleanu Code:** Rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage symptoms. Gargling with warm salt water can soothe the throat,and using a humidifier can add moisture to the air,making it easier to breathe.
**World Today News:** Thank you for sharing this valuable information, Dr. Code.
**Dr. Sarafoleanu Code:** It was my pleasure. Remember, by understanding the difference between viral and bacterial sore throats, we can all play a part in promoting responsible antibiotic use and protecting our health.
