Expert warns it could lead to lifelong illness

SAFAKNA TURKEY – Member of the Scientific Committee on Coronavirus of the Ministry of Health prof. Dr. Tevfik Ozlu made a statement about the disease “beta-hemolytic streptococcus”. Claiming that an illness that can be thought of as a simple tonsil problem because it causes a sore throat can lead to irreversible heart disease as well as death if not treated correctly and on time. Dr. Özlu said: “As you know, there is a term called streptococcal A disease on the agenda right now. Serious infections are reported to have become more severe this year and are more common among children. We also began to see such cases. In fact, group A beta-hemolytic streptococci often cause tonsillitis, pharyngitis, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and the child cannot swallow saliva. On examination, the throat is red, the tonsils are swollen. It has white swollen bumps on it. There may be red rashes in the mouth, on the palate, there may be rashes on the skin. There may be pain in the body, malaise, high fever. Here’s how it shows up. It is possible to treat, that is, we use penicillin, even a single dose of injectable penicillin is treated for this disease. “But it needs to be noticed,” he said.

Noting that antibiotic treatment is rare in European countries, Prof. Dr. Özlü stated that the overuse of antibiotics in Turkey has an advantage for the disease and said:

“In most cases, these types of infections are viral, so antibiotics are not used. Especially in European and North American countries, it is very difficult for patients to access antibiotics. The use of antibiotics is very rare, very difficult. In fact, the use of antibiotics in such patients in our country is excessive. But using antibiotics in this way prevents these group A beta-hemolytic streptococci from appearing in our country. This prevents more severe cases from occurring. Because in our country, antibiotics are somehow started to be taken in patients with fever, cough and sore throat, and most of these antibiotics are effective against these group A beta-hemolytic arrests. So, as a result of treatment, the patient recovers, does not develop a more severe picture of the disease, infectiousness is eliminated. Unfortunately, the overuse of antibiotics in our society can be an advantage in this regard.”

CORRECT TREATMENT IS IMPORTANT

Stating that the disease can turn into a serious picture if it is not treated correctly, prof. Dr. Özlü, In general, we do not use any drugs in children, unless the picture is very severe with viral infections. We just give antipyretics, sometimes painkillers and so on, but this is different. It requires treatment with antibiotics, especially penicillin. Because if this disease is not treated correctly in time, it can develop into a serious picture. I told you that there are children who die, it can also cause irreversible damage to those who survive. People who have had an infection may have irreversible disease in the future. These diseases can sometimes include heart valves, valvular insufficiency, valvular abnormalities, and conditions requiring surgery. In other words, ignoring the fact that I have a cold, flu, it will pass, and inattention can lead to the fact that you have to carry the burden of the disease for the rest of your life. In this case, see your doctor, especially if you have a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or a fever. Be examined and treated if there is a bacterial infection. We see these infections mainly between the ages of 5 and 15. But it can also be seen in children under 5 years of age. We don’t see much before the age of 2, but it can be seen in adults as well. In other words, it can also be seen in adults over the age of 15, he said.