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Health

How do you treat strep in a smear?

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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The most effective antibiotics against streptococcal infection are penicillins, cephalosporins, monobactams, and other beta-lactam antibiotics. Tetracycline and aminoglycoside antibiotics are also highly active. The mechanism of action of all beta-lactam antibiotics is that they act on the cell wall of streptococci, and also affect only growing cells.

They mainly affect cells with a murein framework. They are most effective in treating respiratory infections, including diseases such as tonsillitis, pneumonia, abdominal diseases, and purulent wounds. They penetrate well into the blood and have a broad spectrum of action. Cephalosporins are also widely used in the treatment of bacterial infections. In relation to streptococci, 3rd generation cephalosporins are mainly used, since they are active mainly against gram-negative forms of microorganisms. Cephalosporins are more resistant to beta-lactams, they are not metabolized and are excreted from the body entirely.

They have a broader spectrum of action compared to penicillins, and also have a prolonged effect, so it is enough to take a tablet once a day. The mechanism of action is to suppress the activity of enzymes involved in the synthesis of the murein framework. The most effective against representatives of the genus streptococcus are third-generation cephalosporins, for example, cefuroxine, cephalosporin, cefatrixone, cefperazone, sulperazone. Many of them are injectable.

It is not advisable to take them orally, since they are acid-labile and are easily broken down by the hydrochloric acid of the gastrointestinal tract. They are characterized by low toxicity and rapid absorption. They are effective in respiratory diseases, soft tissue infections, bones, joints, and bacterial suppurations. Reserve antibiotics, which are prescribed in case of ineffectiveness of the above groups, include antibiotics of the carbapenem and monobactam groups. Merolinem is the most active against gram-negative forms. But it has high activity, which can cause serious side effects. They are used for severe suppuration, complications, and in the postoperative period. They are completely synthetic and are highly specialized, that is, they act only against narrow-spectrum infections, including streptococci. They are completely synthetic agents.

Medicines for streptococcus

The main drugs for treating streptococcal infections are antibiotics. They should be used only after prior consultation with a doctor. You should also follow certain rules when taking antibiotics. First of all, you need to choose the right antibiotic that will be active against streptococcus, and not other microorganisms. Secondly, you need to choose the right dosage of the drug. Both too high and too low a dosage can be dangerous. If the dosage is too high, not only streptococcus is killed, but also other representatives of the normal microflora that provide protection for the body. This can lead to the development of persistent dysbacteriosis, complications, other severe infections, including fungal infections.

Too low a dosage may cause insufficient activity of the antibiotic, as a result of which not all the pathogen's microflora will die. This will lead to the bacteria that have been infected looking for ways to adapt. As a result, a mutation occurs, which is accompanied by the bacteria becoming resistant to the effects of antibiotics, and even resistant to a whole group of similar antibiotics. In order to accurately select the dosage, it is necessary to do an antibiotic sensitivity test, which will show which antibiotic the isolated pathogen is most sensitive to, and what dosage of this drug will be optimal.

Traditionally, the following antibiotics are used to treat streptococcal infection: cefperazone, which belongs to the 3rd generation cephalosporins. This antibiotic belongs to prolonged-action drugs. The patient is given 500 mg per day, once. In case of severe infection, progressive and severe infection, a condition close to batcriemia and sepsis, the dosage can be increased by 2 times - 1000 mg once a day.

Sulperazone is an antibiotic that includes cefoperazone and sulbactam. These antibiotics are resistant to beta-lactamases. They are administered only by injection. The dosage, frequency of treatment and regimen can only be selected by a doctor, since it depends on a number of factors, including the severity of the disease, the degree of bacteremia, and concomitant factors.

Ampiox, a mixture of ampicillin and oxacillin, has also proven itself well. It is widely used in the treatment of respiratory tract infections (such as tonsillitis, pneumonia). It is also used for abdominal infections, infected purulent wounds. It is a combination drug with a wide spectrum of action. It penetrates well into the blood. It is recommended to take 1 tablet per day, since it is a prolonged-action drug. It belongs to the group of penicillin derivatives. The mechanism of action is that the drug acts on the cell membrane. It affects only growing cells, like the entire group of penicillins.

Cefotaxime is an antibiotic belonging to the 2nd generation cephalosporin group. It is acid-resistant, so it can be used for treatment in tablet form. It is a prolonged-action drug, used once a day. It is active against the entire group of gram-negative microorganisms.

Vitamins

In streptococcal infections, as in any other bacterial infection, the use of vitamins is not recommended, since they act as growth factors for the microorganisms that act as pathogens and maintain the disease.

The only vitamin that can and should be taken during illness is vitamin C, or ascorbic acid. It is used in double dosage: for children - 500 mg per day, for adults - 1000 mg per day. It stabilizes the walls of cell membranes, neutralizes free radicals, toxins, stimulates the state of local immunity, increases endurance and resistance of the body to infectious and inflammatory diseases.

Folk remedies

It is believed that folk remedies are less dangerous and entail fewer complications and side effects. However, this is not true. Any remedy can have various side effects, including worsening of the condition. Incorrect use of medications can cause poisoning, intoxication. Often, folk recipes contain remedies that are incompatible with other components, incompatible with drug therapy or physiotherapy.

That is why, before starting treatment, it is necessary to consult a doctor. This will help to avoid numerous problems. Perhaps the doctor will recommend the optimal treatment regimen, and effectively include traditional medicine in the overall treatment regimen. There are many recipes that have proven themselves well for the treatment of various infectious diseases, including streptococcal infection. Let's consider some recipes.

  • Recipe No. 1.

It is used for bacterial intoxication (with the prevalence of streptococcal cultures in smears). It is recommended to use a collection that absorbs and removes toxins from the body. For this, mix lily of the valley (no more than 10 grams, since it can also cause intoxication in case of overdose). Add the same amount of motherwort (has a calming, relaxing effect, eliminates the effects of intoxication).

Also, add about a teaspoon of fennel seeds, which have a positive effect on the mucous membrane of the stomach, normalize the state of the intestines. Brew all this with boiling water, leave for an hour, then drink half a glass three times a day.

  • Recipe No. 2.

Another medicine that helps eliminate the inflammatory process includes 2 parts of licorice root, about 10 grams of celandine herb and the same amount of calendula. Mix all this, pour boiling water over it, and let it brew for an hour. Then drink a glass a day. It is recommended to drink for another 3-4 days after all the symptoms have completely stopped bothering you.

  • Recipe No. 3.

To eliminate the symptoms of cough, bacterial infection, inflammation, use a collection that includes cornflower flowers, bearberry leaves, licorice root in a ratio of 1:1:3. The resulting mixture is poured with a glass of boiling water, brewed for about 30 minutes under a warm blanket. Drink a third of a glass 2-3 times a day until the cough and inflammation are completely eliminated.

  • Recipe No. 4.

For sore throat, scarlet fever, tonsillitis and other diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract, use a mixture of cornflower flowers, bearberry leaves and licorice root. The plants are mixed in approximately equal proportions, brewed with boiling water and infused for about 2-3 hours. After this, the remedy is ready for use. It is recommended to drink a third of a glass 3-4 times a day.

  • Recipe No. 5.

For skin diseases caused by streptococcal infection, wash the skin and take decoctions internally. To prepare the decoction, it is recommended to mix birch leaves with horsetail and hawthorn flowers in equal parts. After that, pour boiling water, insist for about an hour, and allow to infuse for about 1-2 hours. Drink a tablespoon every 2-3 hours.

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Herbal treatment

Herbs have enormous healing potential and are widely used to treat various diseases, including infectious and inflammatory processes. Various herbs are used, for example, first of all, it is worth trying the use of anti-infective herbs that have an antiseptic effect on the body. In this regard, such herbs as coltsfoot, sage, and plantain have proven themselves well.

The most famous herb with anti-inflammatory action is sage. It is used mainly in the form of a decoction or infusion. To prepare it, you need about a tablespoon of the herb per glass of water or alcohol. The holding time depends on the name of the medicine: thus, to prepare a decoction, you need to hold it for about 2-3 hours, to prepare an infusion, you need to hold the infusion for up to 2-3 days.

Anise also has antiseptic properties. To prepare it, take about a tablespoon of seeds and leaves, pour a glass of boiling water and brew. Infuse under a tightly covered lid for up to 3 hours, then take 2-3 tablespoons up to 6 times a day.

Linden has also proven itself well, which quickly relieves inflammation, eliminates the infectious process, and normalizes body temperature. Due to its diaphoretic effect, linden also helps to provide an anti-intoxication effect, due to which toxins formed by bacteria during their life activity are removed from the body, preventing the inflammatory process and relieving its severity.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic remedies are softer and more gentle, but if used incorrectly, they can cause a number of side effects. It is important to take precautions: consult a doctor before use, strictly adhere to the dosage and ratio of substances when preparing a recipe. After the expiration of the substance. It is necessary to dispose of it and prepare a fresh remedy. Side effects are numerous and may differ for different manifestations of the disease. In case of overdose, symptoms of intoxication most often develop, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache. It is important to provide first aid in a timely manner, remove the toxin from the body, call an ambulance.

  • Recipe No. 1.

To prepare a remedy for cough, inflammation of the respiratory tract, asthma attacks, it is recommended to take a decoction of the following composition: juniper berries, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, licorice root. All components are taken in equal parts, except for lemon juice. You will need about a glass of lemon. Mix all this, pour a glass of alcohol, insist for about an hour and allow it to infuse for at least 12 hours. After this, take a tablespoon 2-3 times a day.

  • Recipe No. 2.

To prepare an ointment used for skin diseases of bacterial etiology, in particular, those caused by streptococcal infection, cocoa butter is required as a base. It is melted, 2-3 tablespoons of ground nutmeg, half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a previously prepared decoction of oak bark with raspberry leaves are added. To prepare the decoction, take about 2-3 tablespoons of bark, pour boiling water over it. Infuse for at least an hour. 2-3 tablespoons of this decoction are added to the melted ointment base.

  • Recipe No. 3.

To prepare an infusion used to treat sore throat, cough, acute and chronic tonsillitis, use 2 tablespoons of birch seeds, a teaspoon of dry stevia, echinacea, chamomile and calendula. Mix all this, pour 500 ml of alcohol, and then let it brew for an hour. After this remedy has brewed, take a tablespoon three times a day. Quickly relieves cough and other inflammatory processes. It is used for bacterial and viral infections, to normalize immunity, increase the body's endurance, and resistance to infectious diseases.

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