Strep throat, caused by Streptococcus bacteria, creates a bad sore throat that is most common in children and teens but also impacts adults. After receiving proper medical treatment for strep, you should start feeling better within a matter of days.
Strep throat is incredibly common, infecting 3 million people every year. Strep is quick to spread because all that it takes is direct contact with mucus of a sick individual to become infected. If you have strep throat you will need an antibiotic to cure the infection, relieve symptoms and prevent worsening of infection.
Symptoms Of Strep Throat
In order to diagnose strep throat from any other sore throat, lab tests are required.
Symptoms of strep throat include:
-Painful throat, especially when swallowing
-Swollen tonsils with visible white patches
-Red, inflamed throat
-Fever, chills
-Nausea or vomiting
-Enlarged lymph nodes of the neck, lymph nodes may also be sensitive to the touch
-Abnormally bad breath
-Headaches
Best Treatment Options For Strep Throat
Strep throat is incredibly common and therefore a variety of treatments are available.
Antibiotics
The most common treatment for strep includes a prescription for an oral antibiotic. If you take the antibiotic within 48-hours of experiencing symptoms, it will help reduce how long you are sick and how severe your symptoms become. That’s why it’s important to be proactive when get a sore throat.
Take your medication every day as prescribed. Even if you are feeling 100% better you should never stop taking your prescription until you have finished the entire supply. If you stop taking your prescription early you may become sicker and the antibiotic may no longer prove effective.
Symptom Relievers
Along with your antibiotic, there are symptom relievers you can take to help reduce discomfort. Over the counter medications such as Advil, Motrin, Ibuprofen and Tylenol may prove beneficial to feeling better. If your child is recovering from chickenpox or any flu-like symptoms they should not take Aspirin, as it has been linked to Reye’s syndrome.
Throat Lozenges & Throat Sprays
Throat lozenges are useful for soothing an irritated throat. Plus, there are many brands that offer tasty options. There are also a number of throat sprays on the market made with the same purpose of soothing a sore throat.
Gargle
Try gargling salt water to help clear your throat and naturally relieve some discomfort and pain. You could also gargle with apple cider vinegar as it is loaded with antibacterial properties.
Drink Warm Beverages
Tea with honey, clear soups and other warm beverages can help soothe a sore throat.
Cold Beverages
Cold beverages have a soothing effect because they can help to numb your throat. Natural fruit popsicles and ice cold water may help.
Humidifiers
Dry air will further dry out your mouth and throat, delaying the healing process and increasing discomfort. To keep a healthy amount of moisture in the air, set up a humidifier where you are spending the majority of your time recovering.
Stay Hydrated
Even if you have no appetite make sure to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. When the body is not properly hydrated it is more difficult to heal.
Get Plenty Of Rest
When the body sleeps it goes to work healing. The more sleep you get, the faster your body can repair itself.
How Long Should Strep Throat Last?
After contact with the bacteria, the incubation period for strep throat is generally 1 to 3 days. If you take your antibiotic as recommended you should begin to feel better in as little as one to two days. You are no longer contagious once your fever disappears and you are feeling better, this is generally 24-hours after treatment begins.
If strep throat is not treated it can lead to serious health complications including rheumatic fever and kidney inflammation. Rheumatic fever may cause painfully inflamed joints, as well as rash or heart valve damage. Your best bet is to treat strep throat as quickly as possible to help prevent the possibility of further issues.
When To Visit Urgent Care For Strep Throat
We highly recommend visiting Urgent Medical Center at the first sign of a sore throat. If you notice white pustules on the back of your throat it’s even more important to visit a doctor right away. The sooner strep is diagnosed and treated, the quicker symptoms dissolve and the less severe they become. Also, you are less likely to make others sick if you are treated quickly.
