How Can I Cure Recurring Strep Throat?

[Lori]

I have had recurring strep throat for the past six weeks. I was treated with Augmentin for 10 days
after the first diagnosis; Omnicef for 10 days after the second diagnosis; and Omnicef for 14 days
after the third diagnosis. The first case was diagnosed with a quick test; the second two with
cultures. (By the time the culture results came back, I was into full-blown symptoms again.)

Why aren't the antibiotics taking care of the infection and what can I do?

[David Rind]

Lori wrote:
> I have had recurring strep throat for the past six weeks. I was treated with Augmentin for 10 days
> after the first diagnosis; Omnicef for 10 days after the second diagnosis; and Omnicef for 14 days
> after the third diagnosis. The first case was diagnosed with a quick test; the second two with
> cultures. (By the time the culture results came back, I was into full-blown symptoms again.)
>
> Why aren't the antibiotics taking care of the infection and what can I do?

Although treatment failures are possible, it's worth making sure that no one else you are exposed to
is a carrier. People can have strep and be reinfecting you even though they have no symptoms.

--
David Rind drind@caregroup.harvard.edu

[Hcn]

"Lori" <lpauly@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
news:9d78fb0b.0312091955.231fa9e1@posting.google.com... ,,>
> Why aren't the antibiotics taking care of the infection and what can I do?

To re-iterate what the other two respondents have said... check to see if there is someone who you
are near has been re-infecting you.

A few years ago our family went through a period where we were ALL being infected by strep throat.
It especially hit the youngest and oldest child out of three kids (which included a miserble 4th
birthday party for the youngest). After dealing with this for more than 2 months, the family doctor
had all 5 family members tested, with a more detailed test --- one that took at least 3 days, not
the quicky test they do in the clinic. It turned out that all 3 kids had strep... but not the
parents (it was explained that adults tend to wash their hands better). The middle child had had
strep all along, but had shown NO symptoms. It didn't help that he was the most reluctant to wash
his hands (going so far as devising grand stories about washing, when he had not).

All three kids were put on antibiotics... and the cycle was broken.

[Pf Riley]

On 9 Dec 2003 19:55:27 -0800, lpauly@sbcglobal.net (Lori) wrote:

>I have had recurring strep throat for the past six weeks. I was treated with Augmentin for 10 days
>after the first diagnosis; Omnicef for 10 days after the second diagnosis; and Omnicef for 14 days
>after the third diagnosis. The first case was diagnosed with a quick test; the second two with
>cultures. (By the time the culture results came back, I was into full-blown symptoms again.)
>
>Why aren't the antibiotics taking care of the infection and what can I do?

Get a new toothbrush.

PF

[Lori]

Thanks, all for the suggestions.

I live with one daughter (and two cats) and she has tested negative. I have regular contact with
many extended family members, but can't imagine requesting them ALL to be tested.

[Kent H.]

An extreme gesture, usually successful, is to have your tonsils removed.

Lori wrote:
>
> I have had recurring strep throat for the past six weeks. I was treated with Augmentin for 10 days
> after the first diagnosis; Omnicef for 10 days after the second diagnosis; and Omnicef for 14 days
> after the third diagnosis. The first case was diagnosed with a quick test; the second two with
> cultures. (By the time the culture results came back, I was into full-blown symptoms again.)
>
> Why aren't the antibiotics taking care of the infection and what can I do?

[Mason121]

>it's worth making sure that no one else you are exposed to is a carrier. People can have strep and
>be reinfecting you even though they have no symptoms

This is true..........I had strep again and again from childhood into my teens and so did my
brothers and sisters. Didn`t stop till the oldest sister moved out. Seems she was the carrier. I
haven`t had strep since. Now she has her own family and guess what. Her children get strep all the
time. Guess this is not a scientific test for a carrier but I beleive in it. Dan.

[Carey Gregory]

mason121@aol.com (Mason121) wrote:

>This is true..........I had strep again and again from childhood into my teens and so did my
>brothers and sisters. Didn`t stop till the oldest sister moved out. Seems she was the carrier. I
>haven`t had strep since. Now she has her own family and guess what. Her children get strep all the
>time. Guess this is not a scientific test for a carrier but I beleive in it.

Hmmm... ever mention this to her?