Content

• Steps
• Warning

Sore throat is not strep throat. In fact, most sore throats are caused by viruses, such as the common cold, and go away on their own. Strep throat, on the other hand, is an infection that needs to be treated with antibiotics. Knowing how to assess the symptoms of strep throat will help you find the right treatment.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Diagnosis of strep throat

1. 

   Understand what strep throat is. Streptococcal pharyngitis is an infectious infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria, or group A Streptococcus. The hallmark symptom of strep throat is a sore throat, but not all sore throats are caused by Streptococcus bacteria. In fact, most sore throats are caused by common viruses and do not require treatment.
   • However, the treatment of strep throat is essential as it can cause serious complications, including infection that spreads into the blood, skin and other organs, rheumatic fever can affect the heart and joints, and nephritis.
   • The age group 5-15 is the most common group with strep throat, but anyone can get strep throat.

2. 

   
   
   Recognize the symptoms of strep throat. Get medical attention because your doctor can do a quick test to determine if you have strep throat. Sometimes, having symptoms still doesn't mean you have strep throat. Note that people with strep throat will not have a cough. Symptoms of strep throat include one of the following:
   • The flu lasts 2-5 days
   • Fever (getting worse on the second day)
   • Sore throat, stomach pain
   • Nausea, fatigue
   • Difficulty swallowing, headache
   • Swollen lymph nodes
   • Rash

3. 

   
   
   See your doctor and follow test and treatment instructions. Based on symptoms the doctor may recommend a swab test (taking a sample of the disease from the throat). This test only takes a few minutes and is the only way to diagnose strep throat because the disease cannot be diagnosed by observation.
   • The "swab" test is a quick antigen test. Testing helps detect streptococcal bacteria in just a few minutes. It works by looking for substances (antigens) in the throat. Although quick, this test is not always accurate. In some cases, the swab test will be negative even if you have strep throat.If you suspect that you have strep throat, your doctor may transplant a sample to check if Streptococcus bacteria have grown on the gauze for 1-2 days.
   • If the test is positive, the doctor will recommend treatment that includes antibiotics.
   • If the diagnosis is not strep throat, you may just have the common cold, but it could also be caused by a serious illness like tonsillitis or mononucleosis.
   • In some cases, the swab test will be negative even if you have strep throat. If you suspect that you have strep throat, your doctor may transplant a sample to check if Streptococcus bacteria have grown on the gauze for 1-2 days.
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Part 2 of 3: Treatment of strep throat

1. 

   
   
   Start taking antibiotics. Once your doctor has determined that you have strep throat, you will need to take antibiotics. Antibiotics are usually prescribed for 10 days or less / more as directed by the doctor. The most common antibiotic prescribed for strep throat is Penicillin or Amoxicillin. If you are allergic, your doctor may prescribe another antibiotic, such as Cephalexin or Azithromycin. Note when taking antibiotics:
   • Take the full dose, even when you feel better. Taking inadequate doses can increase the risk of recurrence and more serious infections because the antibiotic can kill weak bacteria at first, but strong bacteria survive and become resistant. Do not skip doses. Taking the antibiotic regularly will ensure its effectiveness.
   • Avoid alcohol while taking antibiotics. Although it does not react to most antibiotics, alcohol can increase side effects, making you feel dizzy, drowsy, and upset stomach. Note that some cough syrups and mouthwashes contain alcohol.
   • Take antibiotics as directed. Talk to your pharmacist about how to take your antibiotics. Depending on the antibiotic prescribed, it may be more effective when taken with or without food. For example, Penicillin V should be taken on an empty stomach, while Amoxicillin can be taken with or without food. Drink about a full glass of water when taking most antibiotics.
   • Look for allergic reactions to antibiotics such as hives, swelling of the mouth, difficulty breathing, or difficulty swallowing. If you experience any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor about another antibiotic. Call 911 right away if you have difficulty breathing as this reaction (called anaphylaxis) can be life-threatening.
   • Know the side effects. Side effects of most antibiotics include abdominal pain and diarrhea. There may be specific side effects depending on the antibiotic prescribed.

2. 

   Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. This medicine helps relieve pain caused by strep throat and other symptoms, such as fever. Should take pain relievers with food.

3. 

   Gargle salt water twice daily. This will help ease the symptoms of strep throat. Mix about a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Bring the salt water to the back of your throat, tilt your head back, and rinse your mouth for 30 seconds. Spit out the salt water after rinsing.
   • Drink a lot of water. Drinking warm, throat-soothing water such as lemonade or tea with honey can ease the symptoms of strep throat. In addition, water will help rehydrate you to recover faster.

4. 

   Use a humidifier in the air. A humidifier passes dry air through moist air. This process creates air that makes breathing easier and softer.
   • If you don't have a humidifier, you can humidify it by boiling water and placing a pot of water in the room for the steam to evaporate.
   • Be careful not to overdo the humidifier. An air with a little moisture is fine. On the contrary, too much moisture is perfect for mold growth, worsening symptoms and can even hinder recovery.

5. 

   Use a lozenge. Throat lozenges or sprays are available over the counter in pharmacies and can help relieve a sore throat. The lozenges or sprays may contain a local anesthetic or antiseptic and can help relieve symptoms.

6. 

   Contact your doctor if symptoms persist. Talk to your doctor if your symptoms do not improve within a few days (48 hours) or if your symptoms get worse. This could be a sign the antibiotic is not working.
   • In addition, you should contact your doctor if you experience side effects.
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Part 3 of 3: Prevention of strep throat

1. 

   Stay home for the first 24-48 hours. After you start taking your antibiotics, you need to stay home for 48 hours to avoid spreading strep throat to others. The infected person can still be contagious for the first 48 hours after taking antibiotics. Be careful and avoid contact with others during this time.

2. 

   Buy a new toothbrush. Do this after the first few days of taking the antibiotic and before you finish taking it. Otherwise, the old toothbrush can carry bacteria and cause re-infection after you've finished taking the antibiotic.

3. 

   Avoid contact and sharing of personal items. If possible, avoid contact with someone with strep throat, especially during the potentially infectious period (48 hours after taking antibiotics). Do not share bowls, plates, spoons, and glasses if a family member has strep throat.

4. 

   Hand washing. Hand washing is the best way to prevent all types of infections. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CD), the hand washing process includes:
   • Wet your hands under clean running water (warm or cold), turn off the water tap and apply soap to your hands.
   • Rub hands together. Rub both on the backs of hands, between fingers, and under fingernails.
   • Rub hands for at least 20 seconds. A song can be sung to accurately time a song.
   • Wash your hands under clean running water.
   • Dry your hands with a towel or let them air dry.
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Warning

• Evaluating strep throat is an important step because the bacteria can travel to other parts of the body, causing cardiovascular disease, blood infections and kidney disease.
• The bacteria that cause strep throat can grow and cause severe rheumatic fever.
• You should feel better within 24 hours of taking the antibiotic. If not, call your doctor right away. You may have been exposed to a resistant strain (a medication prescribed by your doctor). Should see your doctor immediately for a new prescription.