Frequently Asked Questions About Strep Throat.

There are many causes for a sore throat including allergies, viruses like a cold or the flu, and mouth breathing at night while you sleep. However, if your symptoms are from a bacterial infection you may have strep throat. Untreated, strep throat may go away on its own but you also risk complications such as sinus or ear infections, kidney inflammation or rheumatic fever. That is why it is important to see your doctor and get the appropriate treatment.

What causes strep throat? 

Strep throat is an infection in the throat and tonsils caused by bacteria called group A streptococcus. The bacteria that causes strep spreads easily when an infected person sneezes, coughs or talks and droplets containing the bacteria become airborne.

The bacteria can also live for brief periods on doorknobs, tableware, and other items that people often share. Direct contact with the bacteria can be transferred from your hands to your nose, mouth or eyes.

Strep occurs more frequently in children and teens. Adults who are often in contact with children are at increased risk, as well as those who frequent crowded places.

What are the symptoms of strep throat? 

In addition to a sore throat, you may develop a sudden, high fever with chills. Other symptoms may include swollen lymph nodes, tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth, difficulty swallowing, headache, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pains. 

Keep in mind, if you aren’t being treated with antibiotics, you may be contagious for up to three weeks. Once you start antibiotics, you should no longer be contagious 24-48 hours after your first dose. During your contagious period you should take precautions to avoid spreading the bacteria to others.

How do doctors diagnose and treat strep throat? 

There are two ways to test for strep – a rapid strep test and a throat culture. Your doctor will probably do a rapid test first by rubbing your throat with a swab and examining the swab for signs of group A streptococcus. If the swab evaluation is negative or inconclusive, the doctor may do a more thorough throat culture. A throat culture takes more time, but can detect infections that the rapid test might not find.

Oral antibiotics help eliminate the bacteria that causes strep throat. Your doctor will most likely prescribe either penicillin or amoxicillin for this particular kind of infection. Let your doctor know if you have allergies to either of these antibiotics so they can find an alternative treatment.

Even if your symptoms go away, you should complete the full course of prescribed antibiotics otherwise the infection may return or worsen. While you complete the antibiotic treatment, you can make yourself comfortable with a combination of rest, over-the-counter pain medications, throat lozenges, soft foods, and gargling with warm salt water. 

Things you can do to avoid getting infected again with strep include replacing your toothbrush and other personal items used while you were sick, sanitizing the surfaces of your home you touched while contagious and continuing to thoroughly wash your hands.

How can you reduce your risk of getting strep throat? 

You can reduce your risk of getting strep throat by washing your hands frequently, avoiding close contact or sharing personal items with infected individuals and avoid touching your mouth or nose with your hands.

If you think you have strep throat, call the Nashville Healthcare Center at 615-341-4968 to learn more about testing and treatment.

This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should talk with your primary care physician or other qualified medical professionals regarding diagnosis and treatment of a health condition.

Source: 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention