Alpha hemolytic streptococcus, or alpha strep, is a spherical bacteria that can cause breakdown of blood cells on growth-medium plates that contain blood-based gels to promote the growth of bacteria. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common alpha strep that is associated with lung infections or pneumonia. Apart from damage to the respiratory tract, alpha strep can further spread to cause ear, blood and brain infections. Antibiotics are the mainstay of alpha strep lung infection treatment.
Antibiotics
Penicillin and cephalosporins such as ceftriaxone and cefotaxime are the most common drugs used to treat community acquired alpha strep pneumonia cases. The drugs are usually administered intravenously for 24 to 48 hours to control the initial infection. This is followed by oral administration of antibiotics such as amoxicillin, cefpodoxime, cefprozil or cefditoren for two to three weeks or until the bacteria has been completely eradicated from the patient's body.
The Johns Hopkins Point-of-Care Information Technology Center recommends levofloxacin, moxyfloxacin or telithromycin for patients infected with strains of alpha strep that are resistant to beta lactam antibiotics and cephalosporins due to the production of an enzyme called beta-lactamase. These antibiotics can also be administered orally or intravenously depending on the condition of the patient. Vancomycin or linezolid can also be given intravenously to treat alpha strep pneumonia.
Patients with penicillin allergies may exhibit a skin rash, hives, breathing difficulties and swelling of the face due to beta-lactam antibiotics and cephalosporins. Common side effects of other antibiotics include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness and upset stomach.
Oxygen Therapy
Shortness of breath and lack of oxygen are common complications of pneumonia or lung infection caused by alpha strep and can be life-threatening, especially in children. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, lack of oxygen, or hypoxaemia, increases the risk of death in children by five times. Oxygen therapy involves administration of oxygen at concentrations higher than that of the room atmosphere and is usually supplied from an oxygen cylinder using a face mask or a nasal canula. Oxygen therapy is considered safe and helps restore the overall health of the patient.
Anti-Pyretics
Fever is another common symptom of alpha strep lung infections. Anti-pyretics such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin are given intravenously to reduce the body temperature. After the initial infection is under control, anti-pyretics may be administered orally as and when required. If the patient is not hospitalized, anti-pyretics can be purchased without a prescription at the pharmacy. When taken as per the recommendations on the package, anti-pyretics are generally safe. Overdose can lead to nausea, vomiting and upset stomach. However, according to MayoClinic.com, aspirin should not be given to pregnant women and children under the age of 18 years due to the risk of a serious side effect known as Reye's syndrome, which leads to swelling of the liver and brain.
