MN551 Unit 2 Discussion Post

A 41-year-old male presents to the doctor’s office you work at complaining of a sore throat and headache. Upon examination, he is diagnosed with a virus that is currently prevalent in the area he works. He is told to rest and drink liquids until the virus has run its course. He becomes irate and tells you he wants an antibiotic.

1. How could you explain to him why he does not need an antibiotic?

What are some alternatives you could consider for a patient who demands an antibiotic?

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MN551 Unit 2 ANSWER  BY OUR EXPERT WRITER

1. A 41-year-old male presents to the doctor’s office you work at complaining of a sore throat and headache. Upon examination, he is diagnosed with a virus that is currently prevalent in the area where he works. He is told to rest and drink liquids until the virus has run its course. He becomes irate and tells you he wants an antibiotic.
2. How could you explain to him why he does not need an antibiotic?

The patients should understand the potential adverse outcomes of treating a viral sore throat and headache using antibiotics. According to Essack et al. (2019), approximately 80% of sore throat cases are vital and self-limiting, meaning that pharmacological interventions focus on symptom alleviation instead of the viruses. Treating viral sore throats with antibiotics may result in detrimental outcomes that outweigh the benefits. Spinks et al. (2021) argue that antibiotics only alleviate infections in bacterial sore throats. However, antibiotics can cause diarrhoea and rash when used to treat viral sore throats. More essentially, administering antibiotics for sore throats with a viral etiology results in antimicrobial resistance and an increased risk of viral transmission. Finally, most sore throat cases resolve without pharmacological interventions. Consequently, I would explain the risks associated with antibiotics when used to treat viral sore throat to the patient and the community.

2. What are some alternatives you could consider for a patient who demands an antibiotic?

While antibiotics are not ideal treatments for viral sore throats, multiple recommended pharmacological and non-pharmacologic interventions may alleviate the symptoms. Sebo et al. (2023) argue that intranasal or oral decongestants, oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and analgesics can reduce the prevalence and severity of viral sore throats and other upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). Equally, educating the patient on potentially effective home remedies, such as honey, lemon, herbal teas, thyme, and the importance of adequate resting and hydration is crucial in enhancing his recovery.

References

Essack, S., Bell, J., Burgoyne, D. S., Duerden, M., & Shephard, A. (2019). Topical (local) antibiotics for respiratory infections with sore throat: An antibiotic stewardship perspective. Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, 44(6), 829–837. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpt.13012

Sebo, P., Winkler, N. E., Moussa, M., Haller, D. M., & Maisonneuve, H. (2023). Nonpharmacological home remedies for upper respiratory tract infections: A cross-sectional study of primary care patients in Switzerland and France. Family Practice, 40(4), 564–568. https://doi.org/10.1093/fampra/cmad084

Spinks, A., Glasziou, P. P., & Del Mar, C. B. (2021). Antibiotics for treatment of sore throat in children and adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2021(12). https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd000023.pub5