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Suggest Treatment For Strep Throat Despite Taking A Steroid

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Posted on Fri, 16 Dec 2016
Question: Had bad strep was given antibiotics, finished them still not better. Saw nurse practitioner didn't even check my throat very well and perscibed a steroid. Now it seems worse. Help please.
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Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Antibiotics would not help.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

Sore throats can be caused due to certain bacteria like Streptococcus [Strep throat] or certain viruses like Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) [infectious mononucleosis or mono]. Antibiotics are not required as in case of the former irrespective of use of antibiotics the time duration remains the same, and in case of the latter antibiotics are useless anyway. In case of a viral infection, steroids may make things worse. I would not advocate it without a proper clinical ground. The mainstay of treatment is gurgling with lukewarm water.

You would have to be patient. It usually takes a week or so to recover.

Regards
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1954

Answered : 4467 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Strep Throat Despite Taking A Steroid

Brief Answer: Antibiotics would not help. Detailed Answer: Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic. Sore throats can be caused due to certain bacteria like Streptococcus [Strep throat] or certain viruses like Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) [infectious mononucleosis or mono]. Antibiotics are not required as in case of the former irrespective of use of antibiotics the time duration remains the same, and in case of the latter antibiotics are useless anyway. In case of a viral infection, steroids may make things worse. I would not advocate it without a proper clinical ground. The mainstay of treatment is gurgling with lukewarm water. You would have to be patient. It usually takes a week or so to recover. Regards