Sore throat medications are often used to treat inflammation of the throat. However, make sure the use of strep throat medication according to the cause. Because when used inappropriately, it can actually worsen the conditions experienced.
Sore throat is a very common condition. Most strep throat conditions clear up on their own within 5–7 days.
However, strep throat can cause annoying complaints, such as difficulty swallowing, coughing, until the throat feels itchy and dry. Sore throat medications are generally used to treat these symptoms.
However, it is important to remember that the use of strep throat medication should be adjusted according to the cause so that the treatment is more effective and you can return to your normal activities.
Various Pcauses sore throat
Sore throat is often caused by the following things or conditions:
1. Infection
Viral infections in the respiratory tract are one of the most common causes of a person experiencing strep throat. There are several types of respiratory tract infections that can cause sore throat, including influenza virus infection, mononucleosis, and the Corona virus.
In addition to viral infections, strep throat can also be caused by bacterial infections. Bacterial infectious diseases that can cause strep throat include bacterial infections Streptococcus and pertussis.
2. Allergies or irritation
Sore throat can also be caused by allergies or irritation, for example due to exposure to pollution, dust, cigarette smoke, alcoholic beverages, to foods that are too spicy and oily.
In addition, irritation of the throat can also be caused by chemicals, such as room deodorizer or perfume, stomach acid that rises to the throat (gastric acid reflux), and dry air.
3. Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils. This condition not only makes the tonsils swell so it is difficult to swallow, but also causes pain in the throat.
4. Injury
Injuries that occur around the neck or throat can also trigger a person to experience strep throat. For example, when you accidentally swallow a fishbone or choke.
Several Choices of Sore Throat Medications According to the Cause
Because strep throat can be caused by various things, the use of strep throat drugs must be adjusted to the cause. Therefore, the condition of strep throat should be checked by a doctor.
After the doctor has determined the cause of your sore throat, the doctor can prescribe the following types of sore throat medications:
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs are useful for reducing inflammation in the body while reducing pain. This medicine can also relieve symptoms of fever that accompanies sore throat.
Several choices of NSAIDs that can be prescribed by doctors to treat sore throat are paracetamol, ibuprofen, and diclofenac.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are generally prescribed by a doctor if your sore throat is caused by allergies, severe irritation, or inflammation of the tonsils, which causes the tonsils to swell and become inflamed.
Keep in mind [ula] that the use of corticosteroids must be as prescribed and recommended by a doctor. Several types of strep throat drugs that are included in the corticosteroid group are prednisone and prednisolone.
Antibiotics
Not all cases of strep throat need to be treated with antibiotics. The use of this strep throat medication only applies to strep throat conditions caused by bacterial infections.
Giving antibiotics for sore throat also needs to be adjusted to the germs that cause it. Some examples of antibiotics that your doctor may prescribe include: amoxicillin, cefixime, cefadroxil, and azithromycin.
In addition to the drugs above, your doctor may also give you stomach acid relievers, such as antacids, if your sore throat is caused by acid reflux disease.
Avoid the habit of taking drugs without a doctor's prescription, especially antibiotics. Besides being dangerous, it also risks increasing the bacteria's immunity to these antibiotics, so that sore throats will be more difficult to treat.
Sore Throat Treatment at Home
In addition to using medicines as prescribed and recommended by your doctor, there are several ways you can do at home to relieve symptoms and cure sore throat.
If your sore throat is not too severe, you can try some of the following strep throat treatment tips:
1. Increase the consumption of water
When experiencing sore throat, it is important for you to always meet the needs of body fluids, one of which is to increase the consumption of water.
In addition to preventing dehydration, drinking lots of water can also prevent the throat from feeling dry and thin and dissolve phlegm. Consumption of cold water is also able to soothe the throat.
2. Gargle with warm salt water
Try gargling with a mixture of 1/4 teaspoon table salt in 200 ml of warm water. This method is quite effective to relieve pain and itching in the throat.
Besides being easy to do, this method is also safe for children and adults. However, if you want to do it on children, you should do it on children aged over 5 years or on children who are older and can rinse well.
3. Eat foods that are easy to swallow
Foods that are easy to swallow such as broths, soups, porridge, cereals, mashed potatoes, steamed rice, soft fruit, yogurt, or hard-boiled eggs are very good for people with sore throat. Some of these foods are comfortable and do not cause too much pain in the throat when swallowed.
When your throat is inflamed, you should avoid spicy foods, foods that are too hot, or foods that taste sour, because there is a risk of exacerbating inflammation.
4. Get enough rest
Adequate sleep can help the body fight infection, and help the body deal with inflammation. For a while, get away from the hectic office routine. If your child is sick, make sure he rests at home until his symptoms subside and his condition gets better.
5. Use a humidifier
Keeping the air in the house moist can help reduce discomfort in the throat or overall respiratory tract. However, you must be diligent in cleaning it every day, because bacteria and mold can develop in the humidifier.
In addition to the use of strep throat medicine or the natural methods above, you also need to stay away from cigarette smoke, quit smoking, and stay away from exposure to dust or pollution so that your sore throat condition gets better soon.
If strep throat does not go away for a long time or it gets worse even after using strep throat medicine, you should consult a doctor for an examination and get the right treatment.
