Note when using antibiotics for children with sore throat

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Currently, using antibiotics to treat sore throats for children is very popular. However, giving antibiotics to children unnecessarily will result in antibiotic resistance in the future. Therefore, learn to know the notes when giving antibiotics to children with sore throat and protect their health future.

1. Is it right to always use antibiotics for sore throats in children?

Pharyngitis can be caused by many causes including viruses, bacteria, smoking or exposure to smoke, colds, allergies, upper respiratory diseases. In particular, the most common type is a sore throat caused by a virus that causes respiratory disease. Pharyngitis is an infection of the throat and tonsils caused by bacteria called group A Streptococcus (also known as group A hemolytic streptococcus).
Research shows that on average, only 3 out of 10 children with sore throats are caused by strep. This rate in adults is even about 1/10 with sore throat. Therefore, some cases of pharyngitis caused by bacteria may not require antibiotics for sore throats in children.
MORE: Strep throat: What you need to know

2. How to determine if a sore throat is caused by group A streptococcus bacteria?

First of all, a warning sign of a sore throat is a sore throat and it may be difficult to swallow. The symptoms of a viral or bacterial sore throat can be similar. However, if along with a sore throat, you have a cough, runny nose, hoarseness, sometimes conjunctivitis (pink eye), then you are most likely suffering from a viral sore throat.
Meanwhile, the most common symptoms of strep throat include: early sore throat, pain when swallowing, fever, red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus, and pus-filled sores. Tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth, swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck, sometimes a red rash.
To be clear, a doctor cannot tell if a sore throat is caused by bacteria just by looking at the throat. This is just the initial visit, and if the doctor suspects that your child has strep throat, he or she will likely order tests to determine the exact cause.
If the child is under 3 months old and has a fever of 38°C or higher or the child has any signs such as difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, blood in saliva or sputum, excessive drooling (in young children) , dehydration, swollen and painful joints, rash, take your baby to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and choose the most suitable antibiotic for children's sore throat.
This list does not include all the symptoms, signs and methods of determining the cause of a sore throat, so antibiotics should not be given to children with a sore throat, especially if there are any symptoms. serious or worrisome symptoms.
SEE ALSO: Treating sore throat without antibiotics

3. Is it necessary to use antibiotics for children with sore throat?

In cases where it has been determined that the cause of strep throat is streptococcal, the use of antibiotics for sore throats in children is necessary to kill the bacteria, treat the infection and prevent high fever and other infections. other complications.
If the cause of sore throat is viral, then using antibiotics for sore throat in children will not be effective. Most viral sore throats go away on their own within a week. Your doctor may prescribe other medications or give you tips to help your child feel better.
SEE ALSO: Strep throat in children

4. Is it safe to use antibiotics for sore throat in children and what should be noted?

In case the sore throat is caused by group A streptococcus bacteria, the use of antibiotics to treat sore throat for children is necessary. However, giving antibiotics to children as well as adults can cause side effects that range from minor problems like rashes, to very serious health problems, such as antibiotic-resistant infections. and C.diff infections cause intestinal illnesses such as diarrhea and can even lead to serious colon damage and death.
Besides giving antibiotics to children with sore throats, to make them feel better, you can give them crushed ice or lozenges (except for children under 2 years old), use a clean humidifier or use a humidifier. Use a cooling mist, have your child gargle with salt water, drink warm drinks, and drink plenty of water. In addition, honey is very beneficial in relieving cough for both adults and children one year of age and older.
To prevent unwanted complications, especially to limit the risk of extremely dangerous antibiotic resistance, parents should take their children to medical centers for examination and prescribed use. suitable medicine for sore throat in children.

With many years of experience in examining and treating diseases in children, now the Pediatrics Department at Vinmec International General Hospital has become one of the major health care centers, capable of examining, screening and treatment of many specialized diseases in children. Therefore, if the child shows signs of a sore throat or has other respiratory diseases, parents can take the child to Vinmec International General Hospital for examination and receive support and advice from doctors. Doctors and pharmacists advise on drug use.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

References: jamanetwork.com, cdc.gov