Do you have a Sore Throat related to the common cold, irritants or allergies? Or could it be something more serious, like Strep? Not to worry, it can be difficult to tell the difference between a common sore throat and strep. Strep throat is an infection in the throat and tonsils caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria (called “group A strep”). While many sore throats will get better without treatment, some throat infections—including strep throat—may need antibiotic treatment. Strep throat is very contagious and can be spread through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or through shared food or drinks.
Is It Strep?
The most common symptoms of strep throat include:
- Sore throat, usually starts quickly and is accompanied by severe pain when swallowing
- A fever of 101° F (or above)
- Red or swollen tonsils, sometimes accompanied by white patches or streaks of pus
- Tiny, red spots (petechiae) on the roof of the mouth (the soft or hard palate)
- Headache, nausea, or vomiting
- Swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck
- Sandpaper-like rash
If you have the symptoms listed above, you should go see your provider.
Treatment of Strep
Your friendly healthcare professionals at CareMed can test for strep by swabbing the throat to quickly see if it is step that is causing your sore throat. Please note, that a strep test is necessary in diagnosing whether it is strep or not; just looking at your throat is not conclusive enough to make a diagnosis. If the test is positive for strep, your healthcare professional can prescribe antibiotics. If the strep test is negative, but your provider still strongly suspects you may have a step infection, they can then take a throat culture swab to test for the bacteria, however, these results will take a little longer to come back. Very important things to keep in mind if your provider diagnoses you with strep and prescribes you antibiotics:
- Take the FULL course of antibiotics (even if you start to feel better)
- Take as directed
- Use an alternate form of birth control
- Be sure to also get plenty of rest and drink fluids to stay hydrated
If left untreated the strep bacteria may be harmful to your heart valves and kidneys, not just your throat. If you feel your antibiotics aren’t helping your symptoms, contact your provider; you may need to be prescribed a different antibiotic.
Is It a Sore Throat?
There are many things that can cause the unpleasant, scratchy, and sometimes painful condition known as a sore throat. Viruses, bacteria, allergens, environmental irritants (such as cigarette smoke), chronic postnasal drip, and fungi can all cause a sore throat. While there is no treatment for sore throats caused by a virus or other irritants, there are plenty of ways to alleviate some of the symptoms and pain accompanied by a cold and/or sore throat.
Remedies for pain related to a sore throat:
- Gargle salt water
- Cough drops/throat lozenges
- Warm liquids (broth, tea, etc.)
- Cold (popsicles, smoothies, ice chips, etc.)
- Over the counter medications
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