Can You Safely Fight Strep With No Meds?
More parents seem to be making an effort in recent years to limit antibiotic exposure for their children due to concerns about how this may impact long term health or contribute to increased susceptibility to deadly superbugs such as C-Diff.
Strep throat remains a glaring exception to this trend.
In most cases, it seems that whenever a child or even an adult is diagnosed with strep throat, there is absolutely no question that an immediate trip to the doctor for an antibiotic prescription is required even by those who typically eschew meds and follow a more holistic approach to illness.
There is no doubt that strep throat is a serious infection. It is bacterial in nature and involves severe inflammation of the throat and tonsils. Typical signs of strep throat include:
- Sudden, severe sore throat
- Fever higher than 101F
- Pain when swallowing
- Pale colored spots on the back of a bright red throat
Some folks with strep will also get swollen lymph glands in their neck or suffer from vomiting or a red skin rash.
Despite the seriousness of strep throat, are antibiotics really necessary in the majority of cases?
In light of the fact that every round of antibiotics potentially damages the gut in a manner than can never be 100% repaired, I think this question is worth consideration even if it may seem ludicrous at first.
The complications of strep throat are, after all, extremely serious albeit rather rare. Scarlett fever, inflammation of the kidney, or rheumatic fever which could permanently damage the heart are all possibilities.
I dated a guy in high school who was deaf in one ear from Scarlett fever (who is ironically now a MD). I am in no way kidding myself about how serious complications from strep throat can be by questioning whether antibiotics are truly needed for this type of infection.
Does Riding Out Strep Throat With No Meds Confer Immunity?
My serious doubts about the wisdom of using antibiotics for strep throat go back to my one and only experience with this infection the summer I turned 15. Strep was by far the worst sore throat I’ve ever had and the pain when I swallowed was almost unbearable to endure.
My Father, a Family Physician, made the decision not to put me on any antibiotics and let me ride it out under my own power. My Dad wasn’t into herbs or anything so I didn’t have any alternative treatments administered either.
The infection lasted over a week … my memory remembers a full two weeks but it might have been a few days shy of that.
I lost several pounds during that illness as I could only endure swallowing liquids the entire time. I pretty much subsisted on vanilla milkshakes from the ice cream shoppe down the road for the duration of that awful infection and I still got well under my own power with no complications.
The interesting thing is that I’ve never had strep throat ever again. This is despite repeated exposures to strep, even during college when I was living in an overcrowded dormitory and eating pretty rotten cafeteria food which no doubt suppressed my immune function considerably.
What’s more, my children have never gotten strep throat either even when in contact with other children who were infected.
Is it possible that allowing the body to fight off strep throat on its own confers a degree of lifelong immunity to this infection?
Even more intriguing, is it possible I could have passed this immunity on to my children?
I’ve often considered both of these suppositions over the years and my personal belief is that yes, they are both indeed possible – even highly probable. Certainly, though, my anecdotal story does not in any way provide sufficient evidence.
I can say with certainty that if and when any of my children (or myself) ever came down with strep throat, hands down I would without question skip the antibiotics.
Why?
The reason is that folks who take antibiotics for strep throat seem to get it over and over and over again. Have you noticed this vicious cycle too?
Wouldn’t it be a far better and healthier approach to fight it off one time and be done with it possibly for the rest of your life?
My Dad is of the philosophy that if you give the body a crutch every time it gets ill, it will always expect and demand that crutch and get weaker over time. I have witnessed the truth of this philosophy through observation of those who have the tendency to overmedicate their illnesses whether it be with antibiotics or (gasp) even natural remedies.
Attempting to squelch illness by taking echinacea at the first sign of a sniffle, for example, is not a wise approach in my opinion even if nontoxic.
The immune system stays strong when it is allowed to fight and defeat an illness with no interference – ideally rest and nourishment only.
Now, I do think that much consideration needs to be given to the health of the individual before forgoing the meds where strep is involved. A child with autoimmune illness who is not eating well in the first place probably should get the meds.
On the other hand, a robust healthy child with no autoimmune illness dragging down his/her ability to fight off infection has an excellent chance of handling the infection well with no intervention.
Even WebMD states that antibiotics aren’t really needed for strep after all.
“Strep throat will go away in 3 to 7 days with or without treatment. Doctors usually treat strep throat with antibiotics even though they may not make you well faster.”
Mmmm.
Sounds like the idea of not administering antibiotics for strep throat may not be as ludicrous as it first sounds. Are doctors overmedicating strep just like they overmedicate ear infections and sinus/respiratory infections?
Given the fact that a round of antibiotics has the potential to cause some permanent damage to the gut flora which has lifelong impact on overall immunity to both chronic and acute illness, skipping those pills altogether may prove in the long run to be the smartest approach of all.
Sarah, TheHealthyHomeEconomist.com
Source: WebMD, Strep Throat
|
|
{ 79 comments… read them below or add one }
Are Antibiotics Necessary for Strep Throat? — The Healthy Home Economist http://t.co/IZpza8M6
I went through a period in my early 40′s where I had strep throat repeatedly over a 6 month period of time. I was on several antibiotics and it kept coming back. Finally, in desperation, I searched the internet and was blessed to talk to an MD that told me if I had never had rheumatic fever or scarlett fever by the age of 40, then I would not get it. Basically, he told me, after age 40, you don’t need antibiotics. I believed him, threw away the antibiotics, and allowed my body to heal by itself. Looking back, I think I was actually allergic to the antibiotics and that is why my throat did not heal. I also learned that the strep bacteria out there now is not near as dangerous as it was 50 years ago. Not sure why.
Both of my kids had strep throat when they were little and I didn’t know any better and they took the antibiotics. I am not sure if I would do things differently with them back then if I had known what I know now. But, I have learned that adults are better off without the antibiotics.
This is also true about the tetanus shot. No way would I get one of those, and I have had puncture wounds in the recent years with gardening tools. I researched and learned that tetanus is so very extremely rare, even with those non vaccinated. The lesson in all of this is to research, research and research and then you can make an educated decision.
I’ve had the exact same experience, I had strep throat many times when I was young in my teens and early twenties. The last time I had it, maybe I was 24, I was between jobs, and didn’t have money for a doctor and decided I would power through it without the antibiotics. Since then , I am 40 now, I have never had strep throat even after being exposed.
Sarah! This is a really excellent and informative post. I love the whole “crutch” reference. It’s so true and I can feel it in my own body. Thank you for this. It’s being filed away in my arsenal of good material:)
Andrea @ Frugally Sustainable\’s last post: Garlicky Herbal Chicken Broth
Thanks Andrea. Many times the answers to our questions are right there if we can just open our eyes and observe the obvious.
Sarah, TheHealthyHomeEconomist\’s last post: Are Antibiotics Necessary for Strep Throat?
Are Antibiotics Necessary for Strep Throat? — The Healthy Home Economist http://t.co/esAH6zhI
Newish reader who has never commented before. I would be fully inclined to agree with you on this except that I just recently found out about a coworker who was hospitalized and out for three months due to untreated strep that moved into her brain. That sounds extreme but is “apparently” true. Point is I would like to further investigate this from both ends before I make the leap of not medicating my 10 year old every time he gets strep. And yes, he gets it often even after having his tonsils removed.
PS – Really find your blog interesting and informative.
Thanks for commenting BuggyV. This article is not to suggest never taking meds for strep but rather that the knee jerk response to always give them is not the correct way to go either. Thought must be given to each situation. As for me, I would not medicate my children but I feed them very well and they have no auto immune issues.
Sarah, TheHealthyHomeEconomist\’s last post: Are Antibiotics Necessary for Strep Throat?
Hey Buggy V, I used to have strep 3-5 times per year for a spell when I was 12-15. ( I got too grown to stay home and eat my oatmeal and codliver oil for breakfast as was my mothers custom in the winter. I opted instead for a cream cheese and jelly bagel like my friends. Prior to this change in breakfast I was only out of school for the chicken pox in first grade.) My mom alway got penicillin for me when I had it… (even convinced some well meaning doctors to prescribe it before the throat cultures came back, since she couldn’t take another day off of work to come back for a scrip. Little did she know the home cooked food she made for me and rest probably helped me more than the antibiotics). I got strep (when I was stressed and run down) occasionally until I was 29. I was suffering from psoriasis, candida and frequent UTI’s. The best thing that could have happened to me was that I was a temp and had no insurance. I was tired of waiting all day to pay cash for them to prescribe me more pills, that I couldn’t afford, that never solved the problem and usually made something else worse. The antibiotics made my candida unbearable. After some research, I decided to stay home for a week and ride it out with some probiotics, oil of oregano drops and collodial silver for relief. It’s been over 6 years, and I never got it again. I rode out my next UTI with no antibiotics, or pain killers… only pro-biotics and cranberry, and never got that again either. Eventually got rid of candida too, but that’s another story.
Correction. I got rid of candida and psoriasis (autoimmune), wheat and dairy allergies over the course of years. Nutrition, (WAPF, Cleanses etc ) and persistance under the guidance of a good Naturopath can get almost anyone to be robust and healthy. If it worked for me it can work for ANYONE.
My mom had untreated strep that moved to her whole body. It was bad. I think if you have never had strep and you are otherwise healthy and can rest and let your body work fully on healing it is possible to get better without antibiotics. I, however, think if you have been treated for it before with antibiotics you should probably not risk it as your body is probably waiting for more antibiotics to take care of it for you. There is no answer to this one that will fit everyone’s needs, as you said. If you have a healthy, robust child who comes down with strep throat, they probably can recover. If your child is always sick their immune system probably won’t be able to fight it off, so I wouldn’t risk it.
Hi Sarah,
I completely agree with you. However, one interesting thing to note… As a child I had repeated strep throat infections despite never being given anything for them. One winter, I think I had it four or five times! I have no doubts as to why this was so, my mother was the daughter of a pharmaceutical chemist and was not very well herself, thus I inherited little healthy bacteria due to her overexposure to antibiotics and then not having much healthy flora to pass on. Due to her own experiences, she had a strong desire to not medicate me at all. Without my mother’s insistance on not giving me any kind of medication I do not think my health would be as good as it is now (and I am still working on it).
What a blessing to only have experienced strep throat once. I would not wish it upon anyone! Thanks for this. It is nice to hear of others who feel similarly concerning medication and illness.
I just started reading your blog and I really enjoy it so far. I would just like to comment, though, that my grandmother had untreated strep when she was a little girl and it gave her severe kidney problems.
Welcome to the blog A Commenter! I am sorry to hear about your Grandmother’s complication from strep. Yes, it is a serious infection. I wonder if there were other factors that played into the complication she experienced such as poor diet or other physiological issues that dragged her immunity down.
Sarah, TheHealthyHomeEconomist\’s last post: Are Antibiotics Necessary for Strep Throat?
Most likely other causes that attributed to the kidney problems, like too many toxins in the body. She probably had them before she acquired the strep, as strep is just your body’s way of getting rid of stored up toxins.
Wow, Sarah!!! I wish I had read this 25 years ago! I got strep from friends that had it. I took antibiotics and within 10 days of being off the full course of antibiotics, I got strep again. And the cycle continued for more than a year! It turned out their cat was a carrier with no symptoms! But from that cycle of continuous strep, I continued to get sicker and sicker. My immune system never completely recovered. I started getting sinus infections, which I never had. I started getting bronchitis and even walking pneumonia. And this cycle continued until 1998, when I decided that the ways of the doctors were NOT working! They were only treating my symptoms, not getting to the root of the problem. I have only gone to the doctor once since 1998 – and that was a waste of time and money. During those first few years, i got sick continually, but the duration of the sicknesses became shorter and less severe. Now, I go to a Nutritionist and I’m eating healthy (something the doctors never mentioned). I’m recovering from poisoning I got from my new house (long story). My Nutritionist has greatly helped me and now, I am around people who are sick and I don’t get sick! Incredible! So, all that to say, I agree with you!
THANK YOU, Sarah, for all you do!!!
Fantastic story Sandi! Thanks for sharing and kudos to you for breaking the vicious cycle of overmedication of illness.
Sarah, TheHealthyHomeEconomist\’s last post: Are Antibiotics Necessary for Strep Throat?
HI Sarah,
As always, an interesting and thought provoking post. It brings to light the age old dilemma of the risk vs. benefit in treating a patient. What you are saying is that people and doctors need to really think long and hard about the consequences of either decision — not just to rely on the easy written prescription. There are potential consequences to both and patients and care givers need to take more responsibility to decision making. Thanks for this great post!
jill\’s last post: Sunday Snippets: October 2, 2011
I’d love to know any alternative treatments for strep if you know of any. Thanks!
Sally_Oh\’s last post: It’s Official
I know folks who have used colloidal silver (not sure if they gargled with it or swallowed it .. probably both would be helpful) with great success.
Sarah, TheHealthyHomeEconomist\’s last post: Are Antibiotics Necessary for Strep Throat?
My family never has been prone to strep throat, thank the lucky stars, but when my kids were growing up they had a number of friends who suffered through this annually, sometimes more often. I always suggested apple cider vinegar (mixed quite strong) to those families and it never failed to help without hours. 4 oz filtered water, warmed, add 2 TBSP raw apple cider vinegar (like Bragg’s or another organic brand) and use it like this: gargle the first mouthful, then take a very small sip and swallow it; repeat until the glass is gone. It’s gaggy, I’ll admit that, but it DOES work. I always recommended using this mixture every 3-4 hours. Usually by the third application it was so much better they didn’t want to continue, but it’s best to do this for at least two days and REALLY get it outta there. The second day could be every 4-6 hours, instead of 3-4 hours if you’d rather.
Scientifically, I have no clue if it’s ever been proven or if it ever will be, because after all it can’t be patented for sale by the pharma doods. I highly doubt any doctor would recommend it but I surely do because I’ve seen it work hundreds of times.
The sooner the gargles begin, the sooner it helps. It’s sometimes hard to get littler kids to do this, but even off a spoon (small amounts) helps immeasurably.
** CORRECTION TO THE ABOVE POST: It should read within hours, not without hours. Sheesh.
I have never had strep in my life nor have my children. Knock on wood.
However, when pregnant I tested positive for being a strep carrier. After reading your post it intrigues me to do some research regarding what that really means etc…
My Mom was always of the belief to try and let your body fight an illness/infection. She rarely took us to the doctor and yes we usually got over it. There were of course a few exceptions but few. I find myself doing the same with my kids. My daughter had her 6 year old check up the other day and she hadn’t been in for an illness in over 2 years and the Doc. kept questioning whether that was accurate!
its a different kind of strep SWEST…group A gives strep throat, group B is what they test for in pregnancy. :wink actually the term “strep” means the bacteria grown in chains, but there are many species that do this. A and B are the 2 most common that cause infection in humans.
Vanilla milkshares? No wonder it lasted a couple weeks lol! When my daughter has signs of strep, she goes to bed and only drinks raw fruit smoothies if she’s hungry or fresh fruit. She’s always better the next day. Her fever is gone and she’s back to 100% within 2 days! Tonsillitis is nothing more than too many toxins in your body trying to get out. Fruit is what the body is designed to eat and is easiest on your body as far as digestion and elimination. Healthy bodies do not develop tonsillitis. Dairy is very mucus forming and eating it during illness will only prolong the body’s attempt to get rid of the toxins.
Well, I never said the milkshakes were a great idea. I only told you what I ate during my illness which was over 30 years ago long before anything holistic had ever crossed my mind.
The point of me telling that is to show that you can get over strep with no meds even when the nourishment during recovery leaves a lot to be desired.
I have to say that raw fruit wouldn’t have been much better though. Way too much fructose and where is the fat to slow down the huge glycemic response to such a huge infusion of carbs? The best foods for recovery would be homemade soups, broths, and of course fermented cod liver oil and butter oil.
Sarah, TheHealthyHomeEconomist\’s last post: Are Antibiotics Necessary for Strep Throat?
well, actually tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils. it can be caused by different things, but in the case of strep throat, the inflammation is caused by a bacterial infection (group A strep). it is true that the bacteria secrete toxins (found in their cell walls) that cause your immune system to react (like elevating your temp) as you fight off the bacteria.
I have successfully treated strep in my children using herbal teas, olive leaf extract, oil of oregano, bee propolis (all orally) and peppermint oil on the neck and chest (externally). I would not let it go without helping the body fight it. It is tempting to head to the doctor after day 4-5 when the throat is so incredibly sore and raw, but when you research it on the internet and find that the anti-biotics do NOT take away the symptoms (which is what the person would want relief from) and there is still a likelihood of it returning, I say it is sooo much better to help your body fight it naturally and let it runs it’s course. It does take a good week to get over it even with the help of these things, but there is always that turning point and I do not fear it spreading.
I have also treated the swine flu that turned into secondary pneumonia naturally (this took a lot of diligence and consistency). It is up to us to learn and have the tools on hand before sickness strikes, then we can use them to fight whatever it is. With this sort of treatment we are also passing wisdom and self-sufficiency on to our children as well.
EXCEEDINGLY well done!
After we opted out of our health insurance and stopped going to the pediatrician, my daughter came down with strep throat. Ahhh, what was I to do with no doctor to write a prescription! When her fever shot up to 105 and she was laying around, I thought of the amazing manager of the health food store around the corner. I called and sure enough she had an alternative and said to try oil of oregano. She shared with me some research and within 3 doses by next evening the pus was gone and she was running around with her siblings. Not one of the 10 of us have had strep again even with exposure. I would love to know if anyone else has used this and have had the same success!
Oil of Oregano worked well for my strep too. I haven’t had it in about 6 years. I used to get it all the time. I also took probiotics and improved my nutrition, but in an acute case of strep that stuff works, and does not break you down as much as a scrip antibiotic does.
Thanks! I’ve gained some new insights about all of this, and have much to think on. As always, I appreciate what you’re doing!
My question is to Shaniqua. I would LOVE to know how you totally eradicated the Candida problem you had, especially if it was systemic! You can email me.
cherylrector65@hotmail.com
Sure.
I would suggest GAPS. With modifications it can be used to get candida under control. You can also join the GAPShelp yahoo group:
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/GAPShelp/
Magda\’s last post: Fall is here…
I’m sorry, but this information is wrong and harmful, and I would ask you to please retract this article.
WebMD is correct when it says that strep will go away on its own. The only reason physicians treat strep is to prevent rheumatic heart disease, which will cause heart failure later in life. So yes, strep goes away, but you can develop rheumatic heart disease. When you treat strep with antibiotics, however, it prevents rheumatic heart disease. If you don’t believe me, take a trip to South America. Rheumatic heart disease is nasty stuff, and it was the leading cause of death in people 5-20 years old 100 years ago. Antibiotics, used properly, are a wonderful thing (though I’ll be the first to admit that they are overused improperly here in the US).
[http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/891897-overview]
Hey MIchael, I disagree with your request for retraction.
I’m not sure how many times you’ve ever had strep, but I’ve had it *lots*. I’d say no less than 20 times in my life. No matter how many times I took antibiotics, it never “treated” my strep, it only *postponed* it. Anecdotal as my evidence may be, only antibiotic *avoidance* got rid of my strep for good.
I wouldn’t go around comparing badly nourished 3rd world strep sufferers and use them as a basis for untreated strep causing heart disease. Not only is my heart fine, I went on the have a baby with a fine heart, and did I NOT test positive for strep in pregnancy. Is that possibly because I let strep run it’s course and let my body build a resistance to it in my 20′s even though I was suffering from autoimmune disease at the time? Probably. There is a time and place for getting antibiotic assistance. I’d say if I were having heart failure from complications, of strep, of course I’d take antibiotics! That is what they are supposed to for- present life threatening emergencies, not hypothetical possibilities of what could go wrong if…. I’ll take the discomfort and a fever of 104, some home made soup and extra sleep, once to be over it instead of having it 4x per year forever. The author is simply stating that some people might be better off and get rid of it for real, if they work on building a healthy immune system and save the antibiotics for real emergencies. That is believable, and might help lots of people, who are currently suffering to end the nasty strep cycle once and for all.
shaniqua, i’m sorry you have suffered from strep so many times. it is very painful! but you stand to be correct on a few errors. One, the term “strep” is a generic term that means a bacteria that grows in chains. there are several species of bacteria that commonly infection humans…group A strep is what causes strep throat. group B strep is what they test for in pregnancy, it is a common bug in many vaginas and can cause severe and fatal infections in newborns. but they are 2 different bacteria.
secondly, like Michael said, and to elaborate, the heart damage is not caused directly by the bacteria…so taking antibiotics will not help those with the heart failure. only by treating initial strep throat infection can you prevent the heart disease. it is a VERY rare complication…and thankfully it dose not sound like you have had this complication. but for those who do, it is often fatal. it is very serious. it is not merely a “hpothetical possibility”…it is an actual disease that many people die from. those deaths could have been prevented by a very inexpensive course of penicillin.
all that said…i am all for people making a truly informed decision before taking an antibiotic. you must weigh the risk of serious complications with the risk of the effects on your body of the antibiotics. i am willing to bet that Michael does not agree with the serious negative side effects of the antibiotics on the gut and brain that Sarah documents. So his decision is a risk – free antibiotic vs a unlikely but possible fatal heart disease. i’d take the abx.
but what sarah repeatedly writes about are the actual harmful effects on the gut and brain, resulting from taking antibiotics. and THAT is what you must weight…risk of taking the abx to the risk of not taking them.
Yeah. You are right that the streps have nothing to do with each other, but would it be such a leap that if your body can fight one pathogenic strain of strep, that it could do the same for a similar pathogenic strain? Antibiotics can’t do that for you and most people who rely on antibiotics never find that truth out.
Antibiotics save lives. I have nothing against going all out when it is shown that my life, right now is on the line. I have done this before with other medical intervention in my lifetime. I would do it again.
ALL drugs have unwanted side effects.
Antibiotics, life savers that they are, are NOT Risk-Free.
Not by a long shot.
My MAIN problem with antibiotics is not with the antibiotics themselves, it’s that TOO MANY laypeople and medical personnel believe that they are risk free. If they acknowledge the risks and were equally prepared to help that sufferer deal with the consequences, I’d have no problem. Instead doctors talk as if they saved your life from strep, then turn their back and throw up their hands in denial when those side effects rear their ugly head. They do this with every drug on the market.
When the fear of illness rears it’s ugly head, they go out with heavy ammo, like they are hunting a murderous psychopath, when all THIS person is dealing with is a schoolyard bully. They make no distinction because they believe antibiotics are RISK FREE.
Dangerous mistake.
While they are going after the bully, the real psycho blindsides you from the back, and you are left defenseless as in an antibiotic resistant something else that WILL kill you SLOWLY or diminish the quality of your life to the point that you often WISH the strep killed you quickly.
Too many doctors (not all, but too many) lead with their ego, their medical school plaque and FEAR and NOT with their critically thinking brain. Their attitude is “I’ve been taught this in medical school and I have more than you memorized from my schoolbook than you.
Then you have cutting edge brilliant Medical researchers making great advances and discoveries and by the time the tune changes in medical school text books, and then to the general public, too many people have since died or suffered. Some truths are so vilified and buried so deep, that people have been tricked into dis-believing the truth.
Anyone out there who believes that antibiotics are risk free, I pray that they are on the prescribing end and not the receiving end if -God forbid- those side affects rear their ugly head with unexplained, life stealing illnesses that their medical doctor has no answers for. I keep them in the top of my prayers, because only a divine miracle or a GOOD naturopath (who I personally believe do God’s work), will be able to save them from suffering by encouraging/coaxing out/tapping into the healing ability of that persons body.
Totally agree with your comment about strep bacteria- whether it’s in your throat or vagina- being related. All of the women that I know of that have tested positive for GBS in pregnancy have poor, misguided diets (mostly processed, high-carb food). I often tell women who test positive at 32 weeks or in a previous pregnancy that they should think about adjusting their diet- cutting out sugar and processed foods and adding a probiotic and other nutritious foods, and be tested again before birth to avoid the antibiotics that regularly follow a GBS + diagnosis.
I understand where you’re coming from Michael, but I don’t think you understand where I’m coming from. I do not intent to retract anything. What is said is this article is long overdue and folks need to understand how overmedicated strep throat is and that there can be benefits to riding it out as in my situation.
Remember, an MD declined to give me antibiotics for my strep. This was not a lay decision. This was an informed, medical choice by a qualified medical professional. I think he knew full well what he was doing and other folks need to know that there are other options than the antibiotic merry go round for strep.
Sarah, TheHealthyHomeEconomist\’s last post: Are Antibiotics Necessary for Strep Throat?
I’ll respond to you both to save space:
1) Once the damage is done from rheumatic fever, you can’t go back and take antibiotics, and rheumatic heart disease is a silent killer that is usually discovered only when it’s too late. Rheumatic fever has to be treated with antibiotics before it begins. If you read the article I posted, you’ll see that rheumatic heart disease was one of the most common diseases and biggest causes of mortality in kids 100 years ago. People still get strep today, so it’s not a matter of sanitation, like most diseases. The improvement has come from antibiotics.
2) There is a big difference between what a single family physician (who has very broad training in many fields) says, and what the entire body of pediatricians (as well as the academy of family physicians!) say. I’m training to become a pediatrician, and I say kids with strep need to take antibiotics. Hear me on this: I’m a big advocate for not treating every sniffle a kid gets with antibiotics. They’re overused, we’re creating resistance through evolutionary pressures, and there are side effects that require carefully weighing costs and benefits. But strep needs to be treated.
I’m not asking you to retract your entire body of work. I disagree with many things you write, but I’m willing to say there’s wiggle room on most things. After all, only parents can decide what we think is best for kids. However, when you write to such a broad audience about subjects that are this crucial, I think you do the many people who trust you and look to you for advice a grave disservice. Please reconsider, as 90,000 children die worldwide every year from the long-term complications of this disease.
it is true that the post-infectious sequella (ie. complications) from strep throat can include post-strep GN – kidney diease (though its a benign, self-limiting form of kidney damage) and rheumatic fever. in order to make a decision on abx tx, you need to weigh risks vs. benefits. the risk of rheumatic fever is very very small. but it does happen. and treating the strep throat with abx will decrease the chances of rheumatic fever. antibiotic therapy does NOT prevent the kidney disease. the consequences of the abx are known (and documented many times on this blog and elsewhere). Of course it is ALWAYS the decision of the parent in how to treat their child and themselves. I think it is so important to have all the facts, so as parents and patients ourselves, we can make a truly informed decision.
Hey Michael,
Not to change the topic too much, but have you heard of fecal transplants?:
http://classic.the-scientist.com/news/display/57795/
Unless you are unconcerned with what happens to your patients when they are too old to be seen by a ped, you may want to ask yourself, how do I get my clients to be on the fecal donor list at age 18 rather than the transplantee list? The lives of those patients are completely dependent on the fecal material of a person who most likely did not depend on antibiotics. Real physical problem, not a hypothetical one.
The answer is a healthy immune system, and that begins in the gut. I’m sure that you have read of the havoc that antibiotics wreck on the internal gut flora. You may have even read that correcting that imbalance has helped manage the symptoms of autism, asthma and autoimmune diseases, allergies etc. Not sure if you believe that, but some have found it helpful. You know, those illnesses that don’t kill you but basically make life for the sufferers and their family a living hell.
Strep sufferers are at an extreme disadvantage because their internal flora will have been nearly obilterated by the time they are a young adult, with the many courses that are taken to keep this at bay.
When it comes to internal biological diversity, I believe in keeping up with the joneses. Given the right tools the immune system of a well built healthy human specimen will run circles around the immune systems that depend on a factory produced pill any. Generally the one depending on the factory is at least 6-18 months behind. Our only hope as a society is to get all of our needlessly suffering fellow humans up to speed, intestinally speaking.
As a future pediatrician, I see you as a helping arm of the parents protecting or creating whatever immunity that child is born with, acquires during breastfeeding and building on that, making that kid as strong as possible. C Difficile is antibiotic resistant, as well as many bacteria are now becoming. As a pediatrician, you may pat yourself on the back for giving 20 scrips of antibiotics to a child before they are 18, and yes that child did not develop the heart problem, that they had a possibility of developing have, but most likely they will keep getting strep long past when it is your job to prescribe to them. What happens when they ACTUALLY acquire something like C Difficile or an autoimmune diseases at age 25? You played the internists ace, on strep for the first years of their life, now they have nothing to fall back on in an ACTUAL emergency. In those cases you have done more damage treating a hypothetical and not even helpful treating the strep as they are still fighting off the same strep they got when you gave them their first scrip when they were 5.
I disagree with the practice of treating possible complications that have not happened. Sure. The person could develop a complication. Treat the complication. I’m no doctor, and I don’t plan on being one, but I believe the fastest way to get over being sick is to not touch a fever, and I got this advice from many sources, but one that may jibe with you is the opinion of a well respected pediatrician http://www.amazon.com/Raise-Healthy-Child-Spite-Doctor/dp/0345342763/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1317616523&sr=1-1-catcorr
I think this is an excellent read from a fiesty old school doctor who had nothing to loose but to say his piece after being a well respected ped for over 40 years, 20 years ago.
WOW!! Really? I’d love to know where some of these people come from. I myself, have a 5 year old laying next to me with a 102.3 fever, from strep throat. Which she got from her brother, who just started antibiotics after testing positive for strep after having it for 1 month. We decided to try to ride it out. However, after 30 days, the risk of infection to my oldest (13 with MAJOR health issues-mostly respiratory) was just too high. I suffered from strep numerous times as a child, and even had scarlett fever. Have you ever been that sick?? To treat it before it gets that bad is what any sane parent would want to do to prevent not only pain and suffering but long term health problems!!
What the author of this post, and many of the people commenting have failed to mention, is to have the person monitored by a physician! Moms and Dad’s are not doctors. We can not diagnose wether the strep is gone, or merely lying dormant (as it does often in my son).
To address your info on fecal transplants….. have YOU ever had to go there??? Because I HAVE! It was our last option to cure my son from C. Diff, and luckily we didn’t have to take that last option. I won’t go into more details, but it purely seems you are looking for an arguement with very little knowledge of what you’re really talking about. Reading an article and actually being faced with a complication that serious are two very different things.
Well said. While I agree with this article that immunity can develop if illnesses are naturally overcome, it should not be advocated to a wide audience who may take that advice without a grain of salt. I had strep throat five years ago and I (stubbornly, and drunkenly) decided to ride it out with no medication.
After eight days of running a high fever that got progressively worse by the day and barely being able to swallow down water or walk, I had no choice but to be dragged into the physician for the antibiotics. Sure, the antibiotics screwed up my immunity and digestion for years after that, up until recently, when I started seeing doctors of both western medicine and traditional chinese medicine to fix the long term repercussions of taking just three days worth of antibiotics.
Had I tried to follow the advice of this article, or if my parents had followed this advice, I would have been near death or at the very least, suffered from irreparable consequences from practicing a strict no meds rule. Parents, children, readers, please gauge each illness by case, and not by examples of what worked for some, because it may not be what is best for others.
This is good to know. I had strep as a kid a few times. I did have antibiotics because my parents are just “like that,” into mainstream medicine. I haven’t had it as an adult, nor have my children had it. But it’s good to read this, in case it were ever to happen.
I think it’s also so important to look at what you said about “overusing remedies” — including natural ones! I can’t stand it when I hear so-called “natural” minded people touting the latest natural fever reducer or other suppressive remedy. Just because it is not a drug does not mean it is a good idea! I have NEVER suppressed a fever in my children and they’ve never had one lasting longer than 18 hours. The fevers have gotten pretty high — at least 104 — at times, but I still didn’t administer any remedies, and the children did fine and fever broke within the 18 hours, never to return (during that illness). If you are miserable, it’s okay to take a remedy so you can rest, but every remedy — in my opinion — should be aimed at supporting the body’s own healing mechanisms, NOT ever suppressing any symptoms. I am very, very wary of suppressive medicine. I don’t think enough concern and caution is afforded to this issue, even in the natural community.
Kate @ Modern Alternative Mama\’s last post: Living Life in the Moment
Hi Sarah,
Ive been following your post for many months, and have learned so much from your many videos on traditional food preparation. I do want to tell you of my experience with strep. At the age of 8, I went to the doctor after having strep symptoms. Prior to this, I had, had strep yearly for 3 years. Now this was 30 years ago, back in the day when they called if your strep test was positive, no call if negative. We recieved no call, my mother still called as I was still quite ill. They confirmed, no call, no strep. So life went on, that is, until I presented with large amounts of blood im my urine. The strep had settled in my kidneys. I was hospitalized for 9 days. Granted, I have never had strep again, but I was a very sick child. So many people, myself included respect and trust your take on things. This postion, I believe could be quite dangerous. I was hoping for a holistic alternative. That I would consider. Simply riding it out. Not my kids! That said, ironically none of my 3 biological children have ever had it so hopefully I there was passed immunity from my illness, Thanks for all you do, but please consider warning people that there are real dangers from strep, just as others and myself have posted.
Hi J Shealy, the post is pretty clear about the complications from strep including kidney damage. If you read through it, it in no way suggests the no meds approach for everyone.
Sarah, TheHealthyHomeEconomist\’s last post: Are Antibiotics Necessary for Strep Throat?
Are Antibiotics Necessary for Strep Throat? — The Healthy Home Economist http://t.co/xiVphty8
Having gotten Crohn’s taught me alot, namely trying to stay away from antibiotics and balancing my gut. Healthy guts and bodies don’t get streph or if you start to get it, zap it with oil of oregano and it’s gone. Repeated bouts of streph means your body immunity is low and you probably get colds and other illnesses too. I have been sick in 5 yrs. since I don’t eat carbs or sugar having been on the SCD diet for years by choice. Same for my 11 yr. old and my husband. Sugar is kill your immunity.
Sarah, I have a question. The older I get, the more I stay away from medication of any kind and especially when I am sick, I let myself fight it off. But my son has gotten the same thing within 3 weeks. Not sure what’s causing it. One doc. said allergies, one said bronchitis… :S I really don’t want to give my child any meds but he was wheezing and breathing shallow the 1st time he got it and it freaked me out! My son also has eczema.. I am wondering if you would give your child antibiotics if they weren’t breathing well? Other times he’s been sick, I just let his body fight it and I’ve been able to handle it without being frightened..
Hi Sarah,
This post hits close to home, as my husband just had two bouts of strep within the last month and used antibiotics both times. We don’t live in an area with I can get or make good fermented dairy, so I’ve just been giving him homemade fermented vegi’s. So you reccomend any probiotics? Also, I was wondering if you’ve seen anything linking antibiotics to infertility?
Thank you for all you do!
Interesting… Are Antibiotics Necessary for Strep Throat? — The Healthy Home Economist http://t.co/L0Mdt1dX
I haven’t read thru all the comments, but a wonderful alternative treatment is to gargle with cayenne powder. My hubby was bringing it home every month, with the resultant antibiotics for all 5 of us! I got guttate psoriasis as a secondary problem every time I had strep, so I know when a treatment works. Since we started using cayenne 6 years ago, we haven’t had a problem with strep since. We gargle at the first sign of sore throat. In fact, that’s what got me started on alternative health!
I had Strep Throat with a touch of mono when I was 13, and almost every year since I would battle either strep, or severe sore throat. I would end up at the doctor getting a shot. Until I started taking Saba, I am now taking Saba for 5 years, and haven’t had Strep Throat since…
We deal with strep in our house primarily with echinasea throat spray. Not all of my family can have it (allergic reaction to echinasea) but those that can when they start having that awful painful sore throat we spray our throats down 4 or 5 times daily and usually between that and the chicken soup it is gone within a day. It tastes terrible but it works. In all three of my kids only one has ever had to have antibiotics for strep that was stubborn to clear up. Strep can be serious, and I would not just leave it alone. But I don’t think that antibiotics are the only answer or even the best answer most of the time. Natural medicine is always given the first chance in our house and only after it does not correct the situation do we go with more powerful drugs.
I agree that this was a case of letting the body strengthen it self instead of giving it a crutch. I have taken antibiotics for strep and kept getting it and now I took Smart Silver for it once and never got it again. I wrote a few articles about Smart Silver and have a description of what it is. Here is a link to the description, PART 1, PART 2, and PART 3 of my Smart Silver series.
Leon\’s last post: Genetically Engineered Foods, Cool or not Cool?
If your children survive to adulthood it’s going to be a miracle.
I have never had strep. On Dec 29, 2010, I gave birth to a healthy baby girl. On Dec 31st, I was in the ER with a sever kidney infection. I was unable to urinate and they had to put a cathter in. 800 cc of urine was collected. The OB on call fought for me to keep my baby with me. They said I needed to stay because my temp wasn’t staying down. It was 104.7 initially. They tried to say it was a uterine infection because I had a homebirth but that was ruled out. The next day at about 3pm my baby girl turned gray. She was rushed to the ER and they had her life flighted to the children’s hospital. At the hospital I was at, they had no clue what caused my infection. At children’s the infectious disease docs discovered it was Group A strep (same bacteria that causes strep throat). She had the scarlet fever rash all over her. I had it just on my belly but I thought it was heat rash. My daughter aspirated the bacteria at birth. She only had 25% function of her lungs, kidneys were failing and heart was becoming weaker. she had 2 surgeries, one to put a lung catheter in and the other for a central line. She turned septic and was in PICU for a week and a total of 13 days at the hospital. I was in the hospital for 5 days. Praise the Lord she lived and it’s like nothing ever happened. Shes now nursing like a champ. GAS is a nasty bug. Antibiotics saved our lives. There is a 3% survival rate once you turn septic, which she did. Overuse of antibiotics have made these bugs that could be easily treated into super bugs. Oh and my throat did start hurting in the hospital but they gave me antibiotics so fast, the tests they did came up negative.
I got strep this spring along with all my kids after not having had it for about 15 yrs. I had it numerous times as a child. Usually once a year. Well this time i treated it with echinacea, garlic, colloidal silver, chicken broth etc. It passed. And then I got a UTI shortly after that and treated it at home again. Then only a couple of weeks later I got strep throat again. It was hideous. My throat was so swollen I woke up choking in the middle of the night on my uvula. So I gave up and went to the Dr and got abx. I felt incredible on the abx. Soo good. But two days after the abx ended my throat was swollen again. This time throat cultures were negative for strep. I was told I probably had mono. So here I am. It’s fall. I am still battling a swollen throat. I have to take at least 3-4 tblsp of coconut oil day to keep the swelling in check to some degree. I am so depressed over this. I don’t eat crap. I eat several cups of bone broth daily with garlic, coconut oil, kimchi and raw egg yolk in it. I’m hanging in there. But I don’t have my relatively good health back. I say relatively because I have experienced an over all decline in health to some degree since my daughters birth 15 mo ago.
My brother-in-law was diagnosed with nephritis (a kidney disorder) in his early teens. My in-laws believe it was caused by untreated strep throat. He controls it through diet and herbs, but it is never going to go away. His kidneys pretty much shut down for periods of time due to stress (physical or mental). I should also note my in-laws were not following a WAPF diet when he was diagnosed.
I totally agree with no antibiotics for strep throat. Although using my own remedy helped all my sons get over strep throat faster with no side affects. My remedy is a gargle made from 1/4 teaspoon ginger and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper mixed with four to six ounces of warm water. Gargle three times a day. It tastes like hot apple cider. I used this the first time when my sons were in grade school and came home from school one by one with strep throat. I kept them all at home for three days; they gargled; rested ate normally but removed all the dairy. I could not believe the difference in their throats just after one day of the gargling. Since then (1990s), I was not one to get a antibiotic prescription filled. My sons are all grown now and still do not use antibiotics; plus they never had strep throat again after that first time.
It’s so nice to read an article about something I, too, have experienced. So many people think I’m crazy! About six years ago I came down with strep throat — I knew what it was based on symptoms because I had it numerous times growing up and that was always the *one* illness for which my parents allowed antibiotics. Because of my job, I could not get in to see the doctor for five days. By the time I made it, I was told that they could not give me antibiotics! My body was already healing itself, and so even though I had all the symptoms and could be tested, I was no longer sick enough. I was told just go back home, drink fluids and use cough drops if my throat was really in pain (to which I responded “That’s what I’ve been doing all week!”). Three days later I was fine. On my own. No antibiotics needed. And it was yet another reason for me to stay clear of doctors’ offices!
Marie\’s last post: Menu Monday #5
I guess there has to be one in every crowd, however I find I must disagree on withholding antibiotics for strep throat. I contacted strep throat when I was 11 years old. I was a pretty typically healthy kid who didn’t like missing school and since It occurred over Easter vacation and I was “feeling better” by the following school week I avoided a doctor’s visit and the ensuing meds. I subsequently was hospitalized for 21 days with a severe bout of rheumatic fever which left me with heart damage (and a very altered lifestyle for a number of years)
Note-my strep was not teated with antibiotics. None the less…..
18 years later when I was expecting my first child strep throat was making the rounds at my workplace and I contracted it again. Determined not to medicate my unborn baby I suffered through horrible throat pain and fever (not realizing at the time that high fever can also be harmful to unborn babies), but eventually I got over my strep throat…or so I thought. By the time my baby was 7 months old I had lost a lot of weight, was quite fatigued all the time, and was having joint pain. The blood tests confirmed I had strep in my blood stream, which had the ability to damage the liver. Everyone must make their own medical decisions, but personally I would never withhold antibiotics from my children for strep—for other things yes–but i feel the possible complications from strep make the medications a must for me.
Claudia
I was recently diagnosed with type A strep. I have a lot of allergies to medications so my doc put me on Clindamycin – a med I’ve taken before & have been known to tolerate. Well I wound up with an allergic reaction to that. Went to hospital and they said to stop the med – told me not to take anything. Aside from the few odd white spots (that have been there for 4 days) I don’t really have any strep symptoms.
I had several bouts of strep throat as a child and was treated with mostly Tetracylaline (sp), so I’m a repeat offender. Once I became an adult and my diet changed (eventhough it wasn’t WAP-like), strep throat was no longer an issue. I vote for no antibotic treatment and plenty of the things I know aobut now (cod liver oil, broths, lacto-fermented beverages, tea, etc.) If I had these kind of foods during my illness I would have been in heaven, but then again, I probably wouldn’t have gotten strep in the first place. Oh, well.
Found this article and discussion right after reading the following article and discussion:
http://www.epmonthly.com/columns/in-my-opinion/antibiotics-for-strep-do-more-harm-than-good/
This article addresses the possible mis-information regarding Rheumatoid Fever and pretty much affirmed what my instincts are telling hme. My son had strep right before christmas and was put on 10 days of Amoxicillin. (I usually avoid all medications and treat with food/herbs etc.). He developed an allergic rash to the antibiotic but had to keep taking the full 10 days of it anyways. Now, a month and a half later, my daughter has developed a fever and sore throat (strep is running around their school again) and my son has a horrible rash around his anus that is probably perianal strep. I do not want to do another round of antibiotics and have been frantically scanning the web trying to find out what the risks are of not treating it. It is interesting to me that although I am very comfortable with the fact that my kids are unvaccinated (they both had Pertussis and it was no big deal) and I am not really afraid of any of the other diseases, for some reason I have still held onto the idea that strep is so dangerous that it cannot be left untreated. It is almost impossible to find any information about what actually happens if one chooses not to give antibiotics – other than this elusive threat about RF. The article I mention above makes a pretty interesting point that more people are harmed by negative reactions to antibiotics than untreated strep. They even question the link between RF and strep. Food for thought! I will be heading out for colloidal silver and oil of oregano tomorrow. Thanks for the fantastic conversations! It is nice to hear opinions that differ from what is easily found on the web.
Glad I saw this. My two oldest kids have been passing strep back and forth for a couple of months now. They have been on antibiotics and it came back. And again. This last time, I refused to take my son to the doctor, instead making sure that he was eating well (plenty of immune boosters) and drinking plenty, and lo and behold, it went away on its own. I think we’ll just go that route next time….
Roxy from Two Jugs of Milk\’s last post: Magic Vomit-Away Cleaners!
My son got strep throat at 10 months old. I absolutely did not want to administer antibiotics. But at only 10 months old, I was just as afraid not too. So, I did. (sad face). What would you have recommended for a baby that young with strep?
If you’ve already got a vaccine-injured child, you’ll need to get the homeopathic remedy for strep and use alternative healing methods. Vaccine-injured children and some non-injured children are all at risk for PANDAS, which is difficult to cure. Doing nothing or using antibiotics generally leads to PANDAS, so the happy in-between would be naturopathic and homeopathic methods.
Strep is only diagnosed through a throat culture. It is a bacterial infection which does NOT go away without an antibiotic. I had Rheumatic fever as a child because my parents did not get the strep infection soon enough and now I have heart damage. Took antibiotics for 18 years so that I would never get it. If you are getting it over and over, your house, toothbrush or working environment has it or pets and need to be sanitized. pets are carriers and need to be treated. If you think you got over it without antibiotics, you either did not have it or you just have no symptoms, in which case you are a carrier and are dangerous to others. People who can’t seem to grasp the fact that bacterial infections don’t go away by themselves are the reason for stronger strains. Do everyone else a favor and get treated.
I can not believe the posts on this board. Anyone who has a child with strep and refuses to give them the antibiotics needed to treat it and to disinfect their entire house, should have the kid taken away. I’m all for natural medicine, but not when it comes to strep, staph, and other bacterial infections, they require antibiotics and do not go away by themselves. A virus is different. Most of you probably had a virus, not strep. For pete’s sake. Do some research!
my story. i had antibiotics 3 times as a child for strep throat. i have never gotten it again, and i live in a big, international city and ride public transportation daily. my kids have gotten strep one time each while under the age of 10, and i gave them antibiotics. the remain quite healthy compared with most children. i do not consider this abuse of antibiotics, and i am happy with my choice. strep is a rather weak bacteria, but it can wreak havoc.
I just want to say that I’m pretty sure I had strep throat in college and I didn’t take any medication for it. The only thing I took was chloroseptic and saltine crackers and a ton of water. I lived off of that for several days. Looking back now I can see that I shouldn’t have had the saltine crackers but I’d much rather have had that than the stupid antibiotics. I was not diagnosed with strep throat, but I gave my sickness to my roommate, who in turn DID go to the doctor and get diagnosed and get antibiotics. I guess I just grew up in a family where you let your body do its thing and unless your body was losing the battle, you just didn’t go to the doctor.
As for me and my house, we will opt for antibiotics for strep throat. Not taking any chances on the germ turning into a serious bacterial infection that can land you in the hospital with a deadly staph infection. I would rather take my chances with a possible, long-term use side effect. My sister-in-law was on antibiotice for six months. She almost dies from an untreated sinus infections year ago. The medicine saved her life and she is not immune to antibiotics or suffers any ailment from their use. My grandaughter, at age 6yrs., was on antibiotics (not new ones) for almost six months also, for a persistant urinary tract bacterial infection. She too completely recovered and does not suffer resistance or side effects. When you need them, you need them.
hello sarah, i went true 2 tuff year about 4/5 years ago always had tonsilitus and strep i used alwasy smoke when i went out drinking and stuff so kinda figured it was smoking and drink and maybe late night air my doctor said i got my too tonsils out (in 2 diff operations) fir operation they had to stop the op cause my tonsil fell apart it was so rotten and infected (even do he tested me before op)he left a rooth of my tonsil there where they is like a spider web where bactaria can store like anyway i got a very good year of no infections and it was great but latelly i got my wisdom tooth out and right away i caught the flu and a week later my first tonsilitus in over a year i was in shock then i got antibiotic and it went but 3 weeks later i went out for a night and drank coors light with big glass with ice to water it down so wont be severe to my throat but yet again within 3 weeks my tonsilitus yet again i wanted to fight it myself but afraid to like its not as severe the last two times like its only one side that get the infection other side is always perfect i have post nasl drip as well like, Would the Drink Cause Infection that night out i went home had 2 glasses of water and gargled with salt and water and still got it seems every time i drink it sets off for some reason that recent night out i was sitting under air condittioning and found my throat itchy at the start of the night any idea any info is great thanks alot
Sometimes a viral infection can take on the same appearance as strep – white pus on the tonsils, high fever, sudden onset. That is why it is important to have a throat culture done at your doctor’s office for every case of suspected strep.
If it is viral, it will go away in a few days without antibiotics.
However, if it is positive for strep, then antibiotics should be administered.
WebMD states: “Strep throat should not be taken lightly. Untreated, it can continue to spread to others. It’s also possible for strep throat bacteria to spread to other tissues, causing an abscess or more-serious infection. Rarely, untreated strep throat can lead to heart damage from rheumatic fever. Untreated, strep throat can quickly lead to a more severe illness such as rheumatic fever (a serious heart condition) or acute nephritis (which can damage your kidneys) — and both of these can be fatal.”
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/understanding-strep-throat-basics
Your attitude toward strep throat is very, very dangerous.
Thanks for reply I have no fever what so ever have no cold chills
And don’t really feel that sick just tired a lot was out about yeaterday the white pus has kinda going already off tonsil bed gargled salt and water went to doctor and ahe said puss on tonsil bed they don’t do throat cultures here unless u ask for it I said to her is it infection ahe goes ya small bit of puss on tonsil bed but no fever or feeling sick or Anything like its strange like when I got then before I got cold chills in bed and felt awful like
{ 2 trackbacks }