Diagnosis
The first step when you suspect strep throat is to see a healthcare provider. Strep throat symptoms can mimic other throat infections, so it’s important to get a proper diagnosis. A healthcare provider will typically perform a throat swab. This involves using a long cotton swab to take a sample from the back of your throat, including the tonsils. The sample is then tested, usually with a rapid strep test or a throat culture.
The rapid strep test can provide results in a matter of minutes. However, it’s not always 100% accurate. If the rapid test is negative but the provider still suspects strep throat based on symptoms, a throat culture may be done. A throat culture takes longer, usually 24 – 48 hours, as it involves growing the bacteria in a laboratory to confirm the presence of Streptococcus bacteria.
Follow the Prescribed Treatment
Antibiotics
If the test comes back positive for strep throat, your healthcare provider will likely prescribe antibiotics. Penicillin is the most common antibiotic used to treat strep throat. It’s effective in killing the group A Streptococcus bacteria and reducing the severity and duration of symptoms. Amoxicillin is another option, especially for children, as it’s more palatable.
It’s crucial to take the antibiotics exactly as prescribed. This usually means taking the full course, even if you start to feel better after a few days. Stopping the antibiotics prematurely can lead to a recurrence of the infection and may also contribute to antibiotic – resistant bacteria. The typical course of antibiotics for strep throat is 10 days, but this can vary depending on the severity of the infection and the specific antibiotic prescribed.
Pain and Fever Relief
Strep throat can cause significant pain and discomfort, as well as a fever. Over – the – counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help reduce pain and fever. These medications can provide relief from the sore throat, headache, and body aches that often accompany strep throat.
When using pain relievers, it’s important to follow the recommended dosage instructions. For children, it’s especially crucial to use the appropriate dosage based on their age and weight. Avoid giving aspirin to children and teenagers with a fever or viral illness, as it’s been associated with a rare but serious condition called Reye’s syndrome.
Home Remedies for Symptom Relief
Throat Soothers
Gargling with warm salt water can provide temporary relief for a sore throat. Dissolve about half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle for 30 seconds to a minute several times a day. The salt water can help reduce inflammation and soothe the irritated throat.
Sucking on lozenges or hard candies can also help keep the throat moist and relieve pain. Look for lozenges that contain ingredients like menthol or benzocaine, which have a numbing effect on the throat. However, avoid giving lozenges to young children as they can be a choking hazard.
Hydration and Diet
Staying hydrated is essential when you have strep throat. Drink plenty of fluids such as water, warm tea, or clear broths. Fluids help soothe the throat and also prevent dehydration, which can occur due to fever and reduced fluid intake because of the pain.
In terms of diet, choose soft, easy – to – swallow foods. Soups, mashed potatoes, yogurt, and smoothies are good options. Avoid spicy, acidic, or rough – textured foods that can further irritate the sore throat. For example, citrus fruits and crunchy chips should be avoided until the throat feels better.
Rest and Isolation
Get Adequate Rest
Your body needs rest to fight off the infection. Make sure to get plenty of sleep and avoid overexertion. Resting helps your immune system focus on eliminating the bacteria. Try to take it easy and limit physical activities until you start to feel better.
If possible, take a few days off work or school to allow your body to recover. Strep throat is contagious, and resting also helps reduce the spread of the infection to others.
Isolate to Prevent Spread
Strep throat is highly contagious, especially in the first 24 – 48 hours after starting antibiotics. Try to avoid close contact with others as much as possible. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water to prevent the spread of bacteria. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing to avoid spreading droplets that may contain the bacteria.
If you have children with strep throat, it’s important to keep them home from school or daycare until they’ve been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours and their fever has subsided. This helps protect other children from getting infected.
Conclusion
Strep throat can be a bothersome infection, but with the right combination of medical treatment, home remedies, and precautions, you can recover quickly and prevent the spread of the disease. If your symptoms don’t improve after a few days of treatment, or if they worsen, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider again as it may indicate a more serious complication or a need to adjust the treatment plan.
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