Strep Throat

Strep throat sufferers know that this rapidly developing illness can be both painful and frustrating to treat. You may start out feeling like you’ve developed a minor cough or cold, but it can quickly develop into a serious illness beyond strep throat.

Strep throat, (streptococcal pharyngitis), is actually a bacterial infection, and is the most common throat infection. While children commonly contract this illness, adults can be susceptible as well.  Because of the risks of leaving this infection untreated, (Left untreated, strep throat or streptococcal pharyngitis can cause damage to the heart.)

The most common symptoms of a strep throat infection include fever, chills, nausea, sore throat, and red or irritated throat. Patients may also experience loss of appetite, trouble swallowing, and swollen lymph nodes.

Strep throat bacteria

Strep throat, unlike inflammation, (tonsillitis), is caused by a virus.  Treatment for strep throat is easy, straightforward, and can provide near immediate relief. Because this illness is caused by bacteria, it can be treated with antibiotics. These antibiotics are not available over the counter and will need to be prescribed to you by a doctor. For this reason, it is important to see the doctor right away if you think that there is a chance you may have contracted a strep infection like strep throat.

First, a doctor will need to complete a simple test to ensure that you are indeed suffering from strep throat. The doctor will take a throat swab and grow cultures from it. After 1-2 days, the doctor should be able to diagnose whether or not strep throat is the issue.

At this time, patients are usually treated with a course of antibiotics such as penicillin or amoxicillin. Antibiotics should be taken for about ten days, with relief occurring after 2-3 days. Follow your doctors directions carefully when taking these medications for strep throat.

Tonsillectomy

In the meantime, there are some steps you can take on your own to ease the painful symptoms of strep throat. Gargling with salt water, staying hydrated with both warm and cool liquids, and taking an over the counter pain relief medication can all help combat the uncomfortable symptoms of strep throat. (streptococcal pharyngitis)