Most sore throats do not need antibiotics

Many patients with sore throats are often prescribed by doctors to take antibiotics, but that treatment is not correct, according to US experts.

In the new guidelines published Sept. 11, the Association of American Infectious Diseases (IDSA) said most sore throats caused by viruses and antibiotics do not work in these cases.

IDSA recommends that people should only take antibiotics if they have strep throat (caused by streptococcus) and have a positive test for the disease.

Only strep throat caused by streptococcus streptococcus needs to be treated with antibiotics.

According to IDSA guidelines, people who test positive for strep should need to be treated with penicillin or amoxicillin if necessary. It is necessary to avoid the use of azithromycin and cephalosporin antibiotics in this case because streptococcus bacteria are increasingly able to resist these drugs.

According to Live Science, about 15 million people in the United States visit doctors for sore throats every year and up to 70% of them are prescribed antibiotics, although in fact, the number of people with strep throat is Streptococcus accounts for a much smaller percentage: about 20% - 30% of children and 5% - 15% of adults.

IDSA experts claim that children and adults do not need to be tested for strep throat if they have a cough, runny nose, hoarseness or a sore mouth - strong signs of viral pharyngitis .

A sore throat is more likely to be caused by streptococcus if the pain comes suddenly with a painful feeling when swallowing and the patient has a fever without the symptoms of a common cold.

IDSA's guidelines further state that children under 3 years of age do not have strep throat due to streptococcus streptococcus. IDSA also recommends that the tonsils should not be cut for children who are constantly suffering from sore throats, except in very special cases, such as a child with airway obstruction, because the risks from surgery are generally more than benefits. Its benefits bring.

IDSA emphasizes that their guidelines are not intended to replace a doctor's diagnosis, but to support the medical examination and treatment process of medical professionals depending on the patient's specific circumstances.