strep

strep (strp)

adj.

Streptococcal.

n.

Streptococcus.

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Patient discussion about strep.

Q. What Is Streptococcal Pneumonia? I have heard that I might have streptococcal pneumonia. What exactly does that mean?

A. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs by bacterias, viruses or other infectious causes. Streptococcal pneumonia is the most common bacterial cause of pneumonia in all age groups except newborn infants. This bacteria often lives in the throat of people who do not have pneumonia, and in specific situations might infect the lungs. For instance, a simple upper respiratory viral infetion such as the common cold might weaken the body, and therefore create an easy path for the streptococcus bacteria to invade to the lung, and cause pneumonia.

Q. 5 year old son diagnosed with streptococcus must I give him antibiotics? He is 5 years old and never received antibiotics before. He feels good and does not complain of any problem. The doctor said he should take antibiotics for 10 days. Is it mandatory?

A. Actually, there are a lot of types of infections that our body can handle ourselves. in viral infection, we only need to improve our body immune system to fight the infection, and usually the viral infection is self-limited.

in your son's case, if it is true that your son had been diagnosed with streptococcus, I will suggest you follow your doctor's advise. streptococcus is a bacterial infection, and antibiotics will surely help to fight that kind of infection. you need not to worry about antibiotics given to such a very young child ( I believe your doctor will choose the best antibiotics for your son).

It depends on what kind of disease your son has, but for your information, antibiotics usually are given for 5-10 days. So feel free to always consult with your doctor for the best result.

Good luck, and stay healthy always..

Q. My friend think she has strep in her throat. What should she do. She doesn't want to take antibiotics. Her glands are swollen and she feels kinda out of it. Any more information or links would be greatly appreciated.

A. she should go to a Dr. that will take a look and a swab of the area. if he'll suspect a Strep. he'll give her antibiotics before getting results. it's important to follow antibiotic instructions ("10 days, 3 times a day"..).those infection can progress to other organs like the heart valves (very common) and cause chronic heart failure.