Antibiotics for tonsillitis - is it the most effective way to fight the illness
Małgorzata Kruk (MPharm)Diagnosing this disease is not difficult for an experienced physician. Enlarged and red tonsils covered with white patches are the most typical symptom of bacterial tonsillitis. The diagnosis may be easily confirmed by taking a smear test from the throat – the presence of bacteria from the streptococcus group proves the bacterial inflammation of the throat and requires treatment with antibiotics. On the other hand, lack of white patches on the tonsils may indicate a viral infection which should also be treated by a physician.
Antibiotics are strong medications but they are extremely effective and useful in treating tonsillitis and other bacterial infections of the throat. It might seem that combined products for the common cold or lozenges for sore throat will fight bacterial tonsillitis. There is nothing more misleading! Over the counter medications will only alleviate symptoms of the disease. In the case of a bacterial infection of the throat – it is extremely important to fight the bacteria using the prescribed antibiotic. This guarantees a quick recovery and reduces the risk of complications that can be dangerous to the health.
Remember that the cause of the disease can only be determined by a physician on the basis of tests. For this reason, even when you suspect you may have viral tonsillitis, visit a specialist in order to avoid dangerous complications in the future.
