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
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## Expert Interview: Understanding Sore Throats adn Avoiding Antibiotic Overuse
**world Today News exclusive:**
With winter approaching, many individuals are bracing themselves for the certain onslaught of seasonal ailments, including sore throats. Unfortunately, the common cold, often accompanied by a scratchy throat, is frequently misidentified and treated with antibiotics. This practice not only fails too address the root cause of the infection but also contributes to the growing global threat of antibiotic resistance.
to shed light on this vital public health issue, we sat down with **Dr. Agnes Ionescu**, an infectious disease specialist at the Institute of Infectious Diseases “Matei Balş” in Bucharest and a leading advocate for responsible antibiotic use.
**World Today News:** Dr. Ionescu, thank you for joining us today. Let’s talk about sore throats, a common ailment that often leads to unnecessary antibiotic use. Can you explain the key differences between viral and bacterial sore throats?
**Dr. Ionescu:** Thank you for having me.It’s crucial
to understand that the vast majority of sore throats (around 90%) are caused by viruses, not bacteria. These viral infections, like the common cold, influenza, or even COVID-19, typically resolve on their own within a week or two with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Antibiotics are simply ineffective against viruses.
Bacterial sore throats, like those caused by streptococcus, are less common but require specific antibiotic treatment.
**World Today News:** What are some telltale signs that might indicate a bacterial infection,prompting a visit to the doctor?
**Dr.Ionescu:** Good question. while it can be tricky to differentiate without a proper diagnosis,some clues might include:
* **Severe pain:** The pain is often much more intense than with a viral sore throat.
* **White patches:** you might notice white patches or pus on the tonsils.
* **Swollen lymph nodes:** The glands in your neck may be swollen and tender.
* **High fever:** A fever above 101°F (38.3°C) that persists for several days.
it’s important to emphasize, however, that these are just potential indicators. Only a medical professional can accurately diagnose the cause of a sore throat.
**World Today News:** The Romanian Society of Rhinology’s campaign “You Know for a Fact - How to Treat a Sore Throat Correctly” emphasizes self-care and responsible antibiotic stewardship. Can you elaborate on the importance of these concepts?
**Dr. Ionescu:** Absolutely. Overusing antibiotics has dire consequences. It fuels antimicrobial resistance, making it harder to treat bacterial infections in the future.
This campaign encourages people to:
* **Adopt home care measures:** Rest, stay hydrated, gargle with salt water, and use lozenges to soothe the throat.
* **Seek medical advice when necessary:** If symptoms worsen or are concerning, see a doctor.
* **Follow prescribed medication instructions precisely:** Don’t stop antibiotics prematurely even if you feel better,as it could lead to antibiotic resistance.
**World Today News:** What message do you have for individuals struggling with a sore throat during this cold and flu season?
**Dr. Ionescu:** Please remember that most sore throats are caused by viruses and will resolve on their own. Avoid self-medicating with antibiotics.Practice good hygiene, like frequent handwashing, to prevent the spread of infections. And always consult a healthcare professional if your concerned about your health. Together, we can combat antibiotic resistance and promote responsible healthcare practices.
**World Today News:** Thank you for your time and invaluable insights, Dr. Ionescu. We appreciate your dedication to raising awareness about this important issue.
**For more data on responsible antibiotic use and World Antimicrobial Awareness Week, please visit the World Health Organization website.**
