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Suggest Treatment For Chronic Throat Issues
Question: Dear Doctor,
10 days ago I got a positive throat swab for Raoultella ornithinolytica in my throat. I was having chronic throat issues for about 3 months (sore throat, sometimes painful when swallowing, inflammation, etc.)
My GP put me on Amoxicillin clavulanic acid combination for 10 days. Today is day 10 and my throat still looks quite inflamed. I, however, have no other symptoms such as fever or painful swallowing right now. However, from time to time my head hurts and sometimes I feel pressure in my ears.
My question is; is there a chance that the bacteria was not eliminated by the antibiotics? (According to the microbiology department this bacteria, Raoultella ornithinolytica, was tested to be susceptible to the given antibiotic). However, I am still very worried as to why my throat looks inflamed; should I give it more time to heal or should I go back to my GP? I have an appointment scheduled with an ENT specialist in two weeks time, would it maybe be wise to wait it out and see what he can do?
Hopefully you can inform me more about my condition, I will include two photographs of my throat (one the first day of antibiotics, and one of today = last day of antibiotics).
10 days ago I got a positive throat swab for Raoultella ornithinolytica in my throat. I was having chronic throat issues for about 3 months (sore throat, sometimes painful when swallowing, inflammation, etc.)
My GP put me on Amoxicillin clavulanic acid combination for 10 days. Today is day 10 and my throat still looks quite inflamed. I, however, have no other symptoms such as fever or painful swallowing right now. However, from time to time my head hurts and sometimes I feel pressure in my ears.
My question is; is there a chance that the bacteria was not eliminated by the antibiotics? (According to the microbiology department this bacteria, Raoultella ornithinolytica, was tested to be susceptible to the given antibiotic). However, I am still very worried as to why my throat looks inflamed; should I give it more time to heal or should I go back to my GP? I have an appointment scheduled with an ENT specialist in two weeks time, would it maybe be wise to wait it out and see what he can do?
Hopefully you can inform me more about my condition, I will include two photographs of my throat (one the first day of antibiotics, and one of today = last day of antibiotics).
Brief Answer:
The congestion has decreased in the second image.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. The congestion has decreased in the second image.
2. The bacteria raoultella ornitholytica is a rare pathogen and it should respond to the current treatment, assuming that supportive (anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, medicated oral rinses) treatment has been given.
3. If resistance or 'biofilm' formation is suspected, add one more antibiotic from the susceptible list.
4. A repeat throat swab can be done after this course to check for the bacterial growth before further treatment.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
The congestion has decreased in the second image.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. The congestion has decreased in the second image.
2. The bacteria raoultella ornitholytica is a rare pathogen and it should respond to the current treatment, assuming that supportive (anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, medicated oral rinses) treatment has been given.
3. If resistance or 'biofilm' formation is suspected, add one more antibiotic from the susceptible list.
4. A repeat throat swab can be done after this course to check for the bacterial growth before further treatment.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Dear Dr. Bhatti,
Thank you for your response.
You mention that "If resistance or 'biofilm' formation is suspected, add one more antibiotic from the susceptible list." How would this resistance be suspected, by doing another throat swab?
Moreover, I have not received any supportive treatment (is there anything OTC that you can recommend or should I ask my GP for anything in specific?).
Also, should I be worried about this bacteria; for example, is it possible to manifest itself outside the repository tract and become dangerous? I am just very worried, I understand that this is quite a rare pathogen and I have no idea how I would have contracted something like this.
Thank you for your kind answers.
Thank you for your response.
You mention that "If resistance or 'biofilm' formation is suspected, add one more antibiotic from the susceptible list." How would this resistance be suspected, by doing another throat swab?
Moreover, I have not received any supportive treatment (is there anything OTC that you can recommend or should I ask my GP for anything in specific?).
Also, should I be worried about this bacteria; for example, is it possible to manifest itself outside the repository tract and become dangerous? I am just very worried, I understand that this is quite a rare pathogen and I have no idea how I would have contracted something like this.
Thank you for your kind answers.
Brief Answer:
Let your doctor decide.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. You have not uploaded the culture and sensitivity report. If this report has another effective antibiotic that can be taken orally, your doctor can start it immediately. If it is an injectable (intravenous) antibiotic, get another swab done.
2. OTC cold and flu preparations with paracetamol, anti-allergic medication, and medicated oral rinses can be taken. The rest will require a prescription. Avoiud self medication. Let your doctor decide.
3. It is possible for infection to spread, but this is a remote possibility when you are under treatment.
4. The most probable source for this rare pathogen is water borne or sea-food.
5. In your case this infection should settle down as the bacteria is sensitive to antibiotics (not a resistant strain).
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Let your doctor decide.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. You have not uploaded the culture and sensitivity report. If this report has another effective antibiotic that can be taken orally, your doctor can start it immediately. If it is an injectable (intravenous) antibiotic, get another swab done.
2. OTC cold and flu preparations with paracetamol, anti-allergic medication, and medicated oral rinses can be taken. The rest will require a prescription. Avoiud self medication. Let your doctor decide.
3. It is possible for infection to spread, but this is a remote possibility when you are under treatment.
4. The most probable source for this rare pathogen is water borne or sea-food.
5. In your case this infection should settle down as the bacteria is sensitive to antibiotics (not a resistant strain).
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
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