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Is That Sore Throat Strep?Rapid Onset and Severity of Symptoms May Be Clues |
SourceB.F. Ascher & Company ForumsHealth, Safety, Nutrition and KidsRelated ArticlesHoliday Season Brings More Than Good Cheer: Blue Care Network Offers Advice on Seasonal VirusesInformation and news releases furnished by the members of PR Newswire, who are responsible for their fact and content. |
LENEXA, Kan., Dec. 15, 1998 -- Take it from a sore throat
lozenge
maker, there are times when you need more than relief of symptoms, such
as the
one case in four when a sore throat may be caused by strep bacteria.
"A strep throat can be dangerous and should be treated immediately, usually with antibiotics, to prevent complications such as rheumatic heart disease and the spread of the infection," says Charles Borchers, vice president of scientific affairs for B.F. Ascher & Company. "A strep throat usually comes on more quickly and the symptoms are more severe than in the garden variety sore throat," says Borchers, whose company manufacturers Cough-X(R) lozenges, which are good for either type of sore throat. "Also, in the case of strep, lymph nodes in the neck, below the ears, and under the jaw may be significantly enlarged and tender to the touch. There may also be a white or yellow coating at the back of the throat and a fever of 101 degrees or higher." The best course of action if you suspect strep is to see your doctor for a throat culture. Strep is usually treated with antibiotics. If the throat culture turns up no bacteria, you probably have a viral sore throat, and treatment can be limited to relieving symptoms. For pain, gargle with a weak salt-water solution and suck on lozenges such as Cough-X that contain a topical anesthetic. "Lozenges have a demulcent effect, which means they soothe irritated or inflamed mucous membranes," Borchers says. They can be given to children age 5 and over. Each Cough-X lozenge contains 5 mg. dextromethorphan to alleviate coughing and 2 mg. benzocaine to relieve sore throat pain. Cough-X is sold without prescription at pharmacies throughout the country. For information, call 1-800-324-1880. CONTACT: Chuck Werle or Pam Anton of Werle + Associates, 312-944-5353, for B.F. Ascher & Company |
