How to Know When You Have Strep Throat
It's bad plenty when your child's scratchy, sore pharynx makes him or her feel miserable. But when a sore throat could exist strep pharynx, information technology becomes more than than a nuisance.
Non only does strep throat spread easily to classmates, friends and family unit members – it tin as well lead to severe illness if not treated with antibiotics. That's why I encourage families to larn all about strep throat. Read on for details about the symptoms of strep pharynx, causes, treatment and more.
What is strep pharynx?
Strep throat is an infection of the throat and tonsils. It occurs throughout the year, just is almost common during winter and early on spring.
Near sore throats are caused by viruses. Merely strep throat is caused by bacteria -- specifically, grouping A Streptococcus leaner.
While viral sore throats usually resolve on their ain, strep pharynx should be treated with oral antibiotics. That reduces the gamble of complications similar rheumatic fever or other autoimmune diseases, which tin damage the heart valves, kidneys and joints.
Although adults tin can go strep pharynx, kids get it more often. That'due south because they are oftentimes together in schoolhouse and other grouping settings where the bacteria can easily get passed effectually.
What are the symptoms for strep throat?
Hither are the most common symptoms. You lot may take all or almost of the symptoms or just a few:
- Fast onset of symptoms
- Red, swollen tonsils and throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Pus in the back of the pharynx
- White spots in throat
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Fever, chills and/or headache
The strep throat clue I always expect for is a sore throat with a fever higher up 100.four F just with little to no coughing. At the aforementioned fourth dimension, sore throats caused by viruses or other bacteria can mimic these symptoms, so information technology's of import to follow upwards with your provider if you take concerns.
Here is the infographic comparing symptoms of strep pharynx or a viral sore throat in an alternative format.
Is strep throat contagious?
Strep throat is very contagious. Once y'all or your child are infected, it can take several days to develop symptoms. The disease can spread to others a few days before symptoms start, and it remains contagious until y'all take been on antibiotics at least 24 hours.
How do you lot go strep pharynx?
When someone with strep throat coughs or sneezes, it spreads respiratory droplets containing the bacteria. If droplets become on your hands and and so you bear upon your oral cavity, olfactory organ or eyes, yous can terminate up with strep throat.
If y'all or someone in your family has strep throat, wash your hands frequently, and don't share glasses, plates or eating utensils. Be sure to comprehend your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
How long does strep throat last?
Most people who receive antibiotics for strep throat feel better within 48 hours. It can take a little longer depending on the severity of your illness, your allowed organization and how much rest you are getting.
Treatment for strep pharynx
Strep throat is diagnosed using a rapid strep test. Your health care provider swabs the dorsum of the throat and tests the swab for the bacteria that causes strep. The results are available in minutes.
If the results are positive, your provider volition likely prescribe amoxicillin or penicillin. These antibiotics piece of work well on the strep bacteria and ordinarily have few serious side effects.
The skillful news virtually antibody treatment is that non only does it prevent the complications of strep throat—it also eases symptoms more quickly. But fifty-fifty if you or your kid feels better, it's important to finish the entire ten days of antibiotic treatment.
Demand a strep test today? Meet all our walk-in clinic and urgent care locations, view live wait times and save your spot in line.
Home remedies for a sore pharynx
Forth with an antibiotic to treat strep, these home remedies volition assistance you feel more comfortable.
- non-prescription pain medicine like ibuprofen
- gargling with warm salt water
- warm chicken soup
- warm tea with lemon
- electrolyte solution freezer pops
This is a instance when grandma'southward remedies—gargling with salt water and enjoying a bowl of chicken soup—really are the best. The warm, salty fluid soothes the throat tissues. I too suggest the freezer pops, specially for children whose throats are and then sore that they are non eating or drinking much. Information technology gives them a pocket-sized amount of glucose forth with the liquid.
WHAT Y'all CAN DO
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Go treated quickly at a walk-in clinic or urgent care
Get intendance now -
Observe a chief care provider
Search providers -
Manage your child'south health online
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Posted Nov thirty, 2015
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Source: https://www.allinahealth.org/healthysetgo/heal/seven-signs-you-have-strep-throat
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