Antibiotics for tonsillitis

introduction

A tonsillitis (= tonsillitis) is characterized by a sudden, severe sore throat, fever, difficulty swallowing and swollen tonsils that persist for several days. A tonsillitis is the inflammation of the so-called Palatine tonsils. In healthy people, the tonsils are optimally invisible when the mouth is open, in those with tonsillitis they can be easily seen to the right and left of the uvula when looking into the open mouth and, in extreme cases, they can even enlarge so much that they touch in the middle under the uvula. In the case of tonsillitis, germs usually get into the mouth and throat of those affected by air. They are either distributed directly in the air or they are bound to small liquid particles in the air we breathe. Many people carry the pathogenic germs in their mouth, but they do not necessarily trigger inflammation in them. This way, even healthy people can spread this germ, which can then infect some people. Every time these people sneeze or cough, small particles of liquid are released into the air and can be inhaled by other people. It is therefore important to keep your distance from infected patients in order to prevent this type of transmission.

As with many other diseases, viruses or bacteria can be the culprits of tonsillitis. However, since antibiotics are ineffective with viruses, it is important to carefully consider when the use of antibiotics makes sense and can help the patient at all. In contrast to bacteria, viruses penetrate human cells and multiply there. The problem with this is that most antibiotics cannot work inside the cells and are therefore ineffective against viruses. However, bacteria sit outside of cells and are easily accessible to antibiotics due to their structure. The first indications of bacteria as the cause of tonsillitis can be a fever, a lack of cough and thick, coated almonds. Viral disease is more likely if the sore throat comes from a cold. A swab with a rapid test can also provide clues as to the cause. If bacteria are the likely cause, it still has to be weighed up whether a antibiotic is the right remedy.

Research shows that most patients get rid of the symptoms after a week and that the administration of antibiotics brings rapid improvement, but the overall duration of the illness is only slightly reduced. Of particular importance, however, is the patient who has to Otitis media tend to be here especially children. Middle ear infections are often caused by germs that enter the middle ear from the mouth, nose or throat area through the tympanic duct. The tympanic duct connects the throat and middle ear to ensure pressure compensation so that the eardrum does not tear in the event of strong pressure fluctuations. This course favors u. a. also the development of otitis media. Since an otitis media can have serious consequences, antibiotics should be given a little more generously in the case of tonsillitis. As with any medication, the benefit must always be weighed against the potential side effects of an antibiotic. After all, according to studies, 10% of adults are affected by side effects of an antibiotic, above all Diarrhea and skin changes. Antibiotics are still absolutely necessary in the case of a purulent tonsillitis Streptococci, a type of bacteria that can cause serious damage to the kidneys and heart. It is always important to take it for the entire period prescribed by the doctor, even if this often lasts longer than the existing symptoms. If you stop taking it too soon, some bacteria may survive and the inflammation may reignite. However, if, in the opposite case, an antibiotic no longer shows any effect after 2 days, the affected person should consult a doctor again to clarify whether another antibiotic should be prescribed.

There are several representatives of the drug groups used that can be used against tonsillitis.

Amoxicillin

This is a very well-known representative of the typical antibiotics and active ingredients that are often used in tonsillitis Amoxicillin. It is used to treat a wide variety of diseases. From gastrointestinal diseases, respiratory infections, inflammation in the ear, nose or throat area to bone inflammation, it is versatile. The dosages also differ depending on the type of disease and, of course, the age and weight of the patient. Amoxicillin ensures that the bacteria die in their growth phase. Amoxicillin can be taken as a tablet, effervescent tablet, or dry juice. The intake of juice works very well for children when tablets are difficult to swallow and especially when the throat is extremely sore. Amoxicillin is best tolerated if it is taken with a meal, because then there are few side effects.

The main side effects include Rashes, dry mouth, and fever. In the gastrointestinal area it can be too nausea, Vomiting and diarrhea. Overall, however, amoxicillin is extremely well tolerated compared to other antibiotics. Alcohol should be avoided while taking amoxicillin or antibiotics in general. Both alcohol and many antibiotics are broken down in the liver. If alcohol and antibiotics get in each other's way there, in the worst case scenario, this can lead to organ damage.

Caution should be exercised during pregnancy and lactation, and amoxicillin should only be taken as directed by a doctor. While taking the Birth control pills should be switched to another contraceptive as long as amoxicillin is being taken, because the effects of amoxicillin on the gastrointestinal tract can reduce the absorption of the contraceptive pill and the effect can therefore no longer be guaranteed with the same high probability .

Cephalosporins

This group of antibiotics are also used to treat infections and inflammation in the ear, nose and throat area such as tonsillitis or otitis media. Other areas of application are Urinary tract disease or skin infections caused by bacteria. Well-known active ingredients are Cefaclor, Cefuroxime or Ceftriaxone. These active substances, like amoxicillin, also hinder the growth of bacteria and cause them to die. They are also very well tolerated and are considered to have very few side effects. Of course, side effects cannot be ruled out. They are also very suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women, but should only be taken on the prescription of a doctor.

Even if the antibiotics mentioned so far already cover a large part of the known germs, one increasingly has to deal with the fact that many antibiotics lose their effectiveness. Over time, the bacteria learn to deal with the antibiotics and no longer allow themselves to be harmed by their effects. The antibiotic thus loses its effectiveness and has to be replaced by another.

Macrolides

Macrolides such as telithromycin or clarithromycin are always used when the antibiotics described above cannot be tolerated or the bacteria have learned to become resistant to the antibiotics and consequently a change is necessary. Its main area of ​​application is sinus infections and sexually transmitted diseases. They affect the protein production of cells, which cannot survive without proteins, let alone continue to grow or multiply. A big advantage is the long duration of action, so that it only has to be administered once a day compared to the other groups. At least as big a disadvantage is the interaction with other drugs in the liver. Most of the drugs we take are broken down in the liver. If too many active substances come into contact with the liver, it can no longer guarantee optimal degradation and damage to the liver can occur. Important drugs that must be taken into account here are anticoagulants, sleeping pills and sedatives, pain relievers, allergies and mental illnesses.

In addition to antibiotics, other medications, such as pain relievers, are also important in treating tonsillitis. Paracetamol or ibuprofen are suitable here, as these also act against the inflammation in addition to pain relief and can lower the fever. Lozenges are also very helpful, as they gently numb the irritated throat area and thus at least temporarily allow pain-free swallowing. Antibiotics are not always the right solution for repeated tonsillitis. If the inflammation occurs several times a year, the tonsils should be removed instead of taking antibiotics several times a year. Any inflammation leaves scars and forms an excellent basis for new bacteria to grow. A recurring cycle begins and can only be interrupted by antibiotics for a short time, but never in the long term.

Read more on the subject at: Macrolides