What is the most effective treatment for streptococcus pneumonia?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have shortness of breath (worsens on mild exertion), barking cough, fever, joint pain, headaches, and exhaustion. It feels like asthma but does not respond to asthma medicines. I have tachycardia and palpitations too. What is the most effective antibiotic treatment for streptococcus pneumonia? Can Augmentin duo forte be used? If so, what dose or duration?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Yes, Augmentin (Amoxicillin and Clavulanic acid) is one of the best oral medications for streptococcal respiratory tract infection. The dose is Augmentin Duo 1 gm two times a day for five days. This has to be taken with antacids like tablet Pantoprazole 40 mg before breakfast once a day for five days.

In throat swab report (attachment removed to protect patient identity), most are physiological streptococcal bacterias which are normally found in the oral cavity.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Do you currently have any symptoms suggestive of infection, like fever, cough with or without expectoration, sore throat, or difficulty in swallowing? If yes, then you should get yourself treated. And that to symptoms for a short duration, like less than a week. If not, or if symptoms are already resolved, then there is no point in having antibiotics.

Next thing, if symptoms are not suggesting infection, then we have to find out other causes. Commonly, such symptoms may occur with bronchitis commonly, which is usually viral and persist for some time even after the viral infection is settled. Symptomatically, you may have cough syrup like Alex and steam inhalation.

Also, let me know which asthma medicines you have had so that we can change them to other medications. Do you get any wheezing or have the doctor auscultated and anything commented on wheezing, etc.? Any relevant investigations if you have undergone chest X-ray, etc.?