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What Causes Acute Sore Throat?
Question: Yes thank you. I woke up this am with a very dry throat and it feels like a big lump in the back of my throat. I am a 72 yr. old female. I have some Bactrim antibiotic. Would it b ok to take thes? In the past, I've had this problem. & it eventually lead to Broncitis, or a sinus infection. Can u help with the info I've provided?
Brief Answer:
most cases viral
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Acute sore throat can be due viral or bacterial infection, trauma for foods and drinks (hot), allergies (post nasal drip).
In many cases of infection, it is viral and would not respond to antibiotics but if you are prone to develop bacterial infections then you can consider the use of the antibiotic.
In some cases persons may use symptomatic treatment for a few days (3 to 4) to see if the discomfort disappears. It is does not or is associated with persistent fever then the antibiotics are used to avoid using them unnecessarily.
In that instance oral garlges or lozenges or sprays are used in the interim eg chloroseptic , bethadine mouth wash , diflam or covonia.
Summary: (1) in most cases the symptoms are due to a viral infection not bacterial
(2)in that instance the use of the above sprays/gargles for 3 to 4 days may help
(3)if you are prone to bacterial infections and not comfortable monitoring then you can use the bactrim once you have no history of allergies to it
I hope this helps
most cases viral
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Acute sore throat can be due viral or bacterial infection, trauma for foods and drinks (hot), allergies (post nasal drip).
In many cases of infection, it is viral and would not respond to antibiotics but if you are prone to develop bacterial infections then you can consider the use of the antibiotic.
In some cases persons may use symptomatic treatment for a few days (3 to 4) to see if the discomfort disappears. It is does not or is associated with persistent fever then the antibiotics are used to avoid using them unnecessarily.
In that instance oral garlges or lozenges or sprays are used in the interim eg chloroseptic , bethadine mouth wash , diflam or covonia.
Summary: (1) in most cases the symptoms are due to a viral infection not bacterial
(2)in that instance the use of the above sprays/gargles for 3 to 4 days may help
(3)if you are prone to bacterial infections and not comfortable monitoring then you can use the bactrim once you have no history of allergies to it
I hope this helps
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I have taken the Bactrim & it seems better , however, I only have 2 days worth. I also have 6 Cephalexin 500 mg. If after 2 days of taking the Bactrim it comes back, may I take the Cephalexin 500mg? If so, how many times daily? I suspect it might have been a Sinus drainage, or Sinus Infection. Thank You, Rita Chastain
Brief Answer:
taken twice daily, if have complete course
Detailed Answer:
HI
It would be best to complete the full course of one of the antibiotics because when an incomplete course is used , it increases the risk of developing bacterial resistance.
Overuse of antibiotics or incomplete use are some of the reasons for MRSA.
If possible, you should obtain the other doses of bactrim from your doctor.
If this is not possible , the cephalexin can be used but only if you have enough for a complete course (7 days).
If you do not have this quantity , then you would need to get either this one or another complete course.
Again, over use or if not used well-MRSA
In terms of the dosing of cephalexin 500mg- it is taken 500mg twice daily.
This means that you should have 14 tabs for a complete course.
Please feel free to ask any other questions
taken twice daily, if have complete course
Detailed Answer:
HI
It would be best to complete the full course of one of the antibiotics because when an incomplete course is used , it increases the risk of developing bacterial resistance.
Overuse of antibiotics or incomplete use are some of the reasons for MRSA.
If possible, you should obtain the other doses of bactrim from your doctor.
If this is not possible , the cephalexin can be used but only if you have enough for a complete course (7 days).
If you do not have this quantity , then you would need to get either this one or another complete course.
Again, over use or if not used well-MRSA
In terms of the dosing of cephalexin 500mg- it is taken 500mg twice daily.
This means that you should have 14 tabs for a complete course.
Please feel free to ask any other questions
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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