Disorders of the throat are not usually fatal; but, they can make it difficult to eat, breathe, and talk. The throat has three components: the pharynx, epiglottis, and larynx (voice box). Food travels through the pharynx to the esophagus and stomach. Air passes through the pharynx on the way to the trachea and lungs. The epiglottis covers the voice box and prevents food from entering lungs. Throat disorders include, but are not limited to, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, and the need for tonsillectomy.
Pharyngitis, also known as sore throat, is one of the most common medical complaints. Pharyngitis is caused by viral infections about 90% of the time and so there are no drugs to treat it since antibiotics only work against bacterial infections. But pharyngitis can also be caused by bacteria — the bacteria known as streptococcus are responsible for strep throat in one in 10 Americans each year. Symptoms of pharyngitis include difficulty swallowing, soreness, and a feeling of having a lump in the throat. These symptoms may be accompanied by headache, muscle and joint pain, and fever.
Commonly Prescribed (On-Label) Drugs: Azithromycin, Benzocaine, Cefadroxil, Cefdinir, Ceftibuten, Cefuroxime, Cephalexin, Clarithromycin, Dirithromycin, Loracarbef, Penicillin G
Off-Label Prescription Drugs Breakthrough Options: Clindamycin, Dexamethasone, Rifampin
Tonsillectomy is surgical removal of the tonsils from the throat. This procedure is recommended if you have frequent tonsillitis, particularly if the infections interfere with daily activities, hearing, or breathing and cannot be effectively treated with antibiotics. The guidelines for tonsillectomy include seven or more episodes of tonsillitis in one year; five or more episodes per year during a two-year period; enlarged tonsils that interfere with breathing; an abscess in the tonsils; and grossly uneven tonsils. Antibiotics are one of the drug classes that are used to treat tonsillitis, and these types of drugs may be helpful after tonsillectomy to prevent complications and infection.
Commonly Prescribed (On-Label) Drugs: None
Off-Label Prescription Drugs Breakthrough Options: Amoxicillin and Clavulanate, Dexamethasone
Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils (lymph nodes at the back of the mouth and top of the throat). Tonsils filter out bacteria and other organisms to prevention infection in the body; when they become overwhelmed by infection, they swell and become inflamed. Symptoms of tonsillitis include sore throat, difficulty swallowing, headache, fever, and chills, among others. A complication of tonsillitis is peritonsillar abscess, or a collection of infected material surrounding the tonsils. In this condition, one or both of the tonsils become infected; the infection can spread to other areas of the body (neck, chest, and lungs). Antibiotics are one of the drug classes that are used to treat tonsillitis. In order for these types of drugs to work, they must be able to kill all types of suspected bacteria.
Commonly Prescribed (On-Label) Drugs: Azithromycin, Cefdinir, Cefditoren, Cefuroxime, Clarithromycin, Loracarbef
Off-Label Prescription Drugs Breakthrough Options: Amoxicillin and Clavulanate, Clindamycin, Dexamethasone, Immune Globulin, Rifampin, Vancomycin
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