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How Long Does Antibiotic Take To Be Effective For Chronic Sore Throat?
Question: I have been suffering from a chronic sore throat for about 3 months. After a positive throatswab last week for a bacterial infection my GP has put me on Amoxcillin/Clavulanic acid 875mg three times a day for 10 days. According to him and the microbiology department this particular bacteria would probably respond well to the prescribed antibiotic; I am on day 3 now and my throat symptoms are pretty much the same (note; In those 3 months with recurrent throat issues I have never really had severe symptoms such as high fever, just discomfort and sore when swallowing, etc).
My question is: how long do I need to wait before the antibiotics start working, if at all? or should I go back to my Doctors office?
Also I will upload two pictures of my throat, one of today (3 days on antibiotics) and the second one from a week ago.
Thank you!
My question is: how long do I need to wait before the antibiotics start working, if at all? or should I go back to my Doctors office?
Also I will upload two pictures of my throat, one of today (3 days on antibiotics) and the second one from a week ago.
Thank you!
Brief Answer:
Chronic Pharyngitis
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to HCM. I am Dr Anshul Varshney. I understand your concern.
You seem to be suffering from Upper Respiratory tract infection (URTI) associated with Chronic Pharyngitis. I have seen the attached photographs also.
If your bacteria is susceptible to Amoxycillin and Clavulinic Acid as per your your microbiologist, then you should gove atleast 72 hours for the antibiotic to work.
A lot many times, it happens that the antibiotic starts working but you get relief after 5-7 days only since, the infection and pharyngitis is chronic and the congestion is too much. So, you don't even feel that the antibiotic is working.
I suppose, you should also take an anti allergic drug like Levocetrizine and also decongestant like Psuedoephedrine for symptomatic relief.
In case of severe pain, you can add a tablet of Aspirin in water and do gargles with that. You may take Paracetamol on as or when required basis for fever and body pains.
So, i would advice you to wait for at least 5 days after start of your medicines and you will start feeling better. If you don;t get relief in next 2 days then you would requite to see your doctor.
I hope it helps. If you have any further query, please ask me.
Stay Healthy.
Chronic Pharyngitis
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to HCM. I am Dr Anshul Varshney. I understand your concern.
You seem to be suffering from Upper Respiratory tract infection (URTI) associated with Chronic Pharyngitis. I have seen the attached photographs also.
If your bacteria is susceptible to Amoxycillin and Clavulinic Acid as per your your microbiologist, then you should gove atleast 72 hours for the antibiotic to work.
A lot many times, it happens that the antibiotic starts working but you get relief after 5-7 days only since, the infection and pharyngitis is chronic and the congestion is too much. So, you don't even feel that the antibiotic is working.
I suppose, you should also take an anti allergic drug like Levocetrizine and also decongestant like Psuedoephedrine for symptomatic relief.
In case of severe pain, you can add a tablet of Aspirin in water and do gargles with that. You may take Paracetamol on as or when required basis for fever and body pains.
So, i would advice you to wait for at least 5 days after start of your medicines and you will start feeling better. If you don;t get relief in next 2 days then you would requite to see your doctor.
I hope it helps. If you have any further query, please ask me.
Stay Healthy.
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
Answered by
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