Strep Throat

Strep throat is a contagious disease. It is caused by an infection from the group A streptococcal bacteria. It's very common among children and teens, but adults may get the infection as well. Strep throat usually requires a trip to the doctor and treatment with antibiotics. With the proper medical care and plenty of rest and extra fluids, it should run its course and you should be back on your feet in no time.

About Strep Throat

Strep Throat Symptoms:

*Red and white patches in the throat
*Trouble swallowing
*Tender, swollen glands (lymph nodes) on the sides of your neck
*Red and/or enlarged tonsils (tonsils may have pus or white patches on them)
*Headache
*Stomach pain
*Fever
*Feeling weak or sick
*Loss of appetite and nausea
*Skin rash

If you have any of these symptoms, you should see your physician. A doctor will most likely do a rapid strep test right in the office. The doctor will use a swab to take a sample of the fluids at the back of your throat. It usually only takes about five minutes to find out if you've got strep throat. If the rapid test is normal, the doctor may send a sample to a laboratory for a throat culture. You will get the throat culture results within about two days.

Strep Throat Treatment:

If you have strep throat, your doctor will either treat you with one antibiotic shot, or will give you a prescription to take antibiotics via mouth for about ten days. If you take the shot, then you are done with the treatment and don't have to take more medicine by mouth. You should begin to feel better about 24 hours after treatment.

Even if you don't feel sick anymore, it's important to take the antibiotics for the full 10 days if you are given the oral antibiotics. If you don't finish all the antibiotics, you are at risk for developing rheumatic fever, which can lead to permanent heart damage.

Since strep throat is contagious, it's important to stay home for at least 24 hours until the antibiotics have had a chance to work so that you do not unintentionally infect others. Be sure to wash your forks, spoons, plates, and cups in hot, soapy water after use. Don't share food, drinks, napkins, handkerchiefs, or towels with other people. Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough to prevent passing fluid droplets to someone else. Also, be sure to wash your hands frequently, especially after wiping or blowing your nose.

To stay hydrated and soothe your throat, drink lots of cool liquids, such as water or ginger ale, especially if you have a fever. Stay away from orange juice, lemonade, and other acidic drinks because they can sting your throat. Warm liquids like soups, tea with honey, or hot chocolate can be soothing. Gargling with salt water is sometimes helpful. Over the counter medicines like Advil and Aleve can help with pain control.

Some over the counter throat sprays or throat drops may make your strep infection feel worse, so be sure to consult your doctor.

Seek emergency medical care if you have any of the following symptoms:

*Difficulty breathing
*Difficulty swallowing food
*Unable to swallow saliva
*Severe throat pain
*Making a noise during breathing
*Bleeding in the throat
*Swelling of the neck

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