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 Professor Dr.Sarafoleanu Code**
**World Today News:** Professor Code, thank you for speaking with us today about the Romanian Society of Rhinology’s critically important campaign on sore throats. Can you elaborate on the main goal of the initiative, “you Know for a Fact – How to Treat a Sore Throat Correctly”?
**Professor Dr. Code:** Certainly. Our primary aim is to empower the public to make informed decisions regarding their sore throats. We want people to understand the difference between viral and bacterial infections,recognize the moast common causes,and know when to seek medical attention.
**World Today News:** Why is it so crucial to differentiate between these two types of infections?
**Professor Dr.Code:** As you know, antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections. Unfortunately, the vast majority of sore throats – around 90% – are caused by viruses. Taking antibiotics for a viral sore throat will not help you recover faster and contributes to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.
Can you provide some examples of common viral infections that can cause sore throats?
**Professor Dr. Code:** Absolutely. The usual suspects include the common cold, influenza, mononucleosis, measles, chickenpox, COVID-19, and even croup in children.
**World Today News:** What are some key symptoms that might suggest a bacterial infection rather than a viral one?
**Professor Dr. Code:** while it can be tricky to self-diagnose, some red flags include a persistent sore throat lasting longer than a week, high fever, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, white patches on the tonsils, or difficulty swallowing.
**world Today news:** What advice do you have for people experiencing a sore throat?
**Professor Dr. Code:** For most viral sore throats, rest, fluids, gargling with salt water, and over-the-counter pain relievers are usually sufficient. However, its important to monitor your symptoms. If they worsen or you experience any of the red flags mentioned earlier, please consult a doctor.
What message would you like to send to the public during World Antimicrobial Awareness Week?
**Professor Dr. Code:** This week is a timely reminder that responsible antibiotic use is crucial for preserving their effectiveness. By understanding the causes of sore throats and making informed decisions about treatment, we can all contribute to combating antibiotic resistance.
**World Today News:** Professor Code, thank you again for sharing your valuable insights. We hope this will encourage our readers to take charge of their health by knowing the facts about sore throats.
