Strep Throat
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation and pain in the throat. This common condition is caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria. Strep throat can affect children and adults of all ages. However, it’s especially common in children between the ages of 5 and 15. Sneezing and coughing can spread the infection from one person to another.
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Symptoms of strep throat
The severity of strep throat can vary from person-to-person. Some people experience mild symptoms like a sore throat, whereas other people have more severe symptoms including fever and difficulty swallowing.
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The common symptoms of sore throat include:
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a sudden fever, especially if it’s 101ËšF or higher
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a sore, red throat with white patches
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a headache
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swollen lymph nodes in the neck
Not all sore throats are a result of a strep infection. Other illnesses can cause a sore throat, too.
This includes:
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a sore throat that lasts longer than two days
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a sore throat with white patches
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dark, red splotches or spots on the tonsils or the top of the mouth
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a sore throat with a fine, sandpaper-like pink rash on the skin
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difficulty breathing
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difficulty swallowing
Treating strep throat
Antibiotics
If you’re diagnosed with strep throat, your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic to treat the infection. These medications inhibit the spread of bacteria and infections. Several types of antibiotics are available. However, penicillin and amoxicillin are the most common medications given for a strep infection.
It’s important that you finish your antibiotic treatment course to kill the infection completely. Some people stop taking their medication when symptoms improve, which can trigger a relapse. If this happens, the symptoms can return.
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At-home care
In addition to antibiotics, there are at-home treatments to improve the symptoms of strep throat. These remedies include:
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drinking warm liquids, such as lemon water and tea
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drinking cold liquids to help numb the throat
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turning on a cool-mist humidifier
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taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
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sucking on throat lozenges
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adding 1/2 teaspoon of salt to 1 cup of water and gargling the mixture
What is strep throat?
Strep throat is caused by a certain bacterium called group A streptococcus or Streptococcus pyogenes. The bacteria normally reside in the lining of your nose and throat, but when your immune system is weakened, an infection can arise.
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Strep throat symptoms tend to start quickly with a raw, sore, and scratchy throat.
Other symptoms include:
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Painful swallowing
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Stomachache
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A fever
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Red, swollen tonsils
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White patches on the lining of your throat
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Tiny red spots on the roof of your mouth
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Loss of appetite
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Headaches
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Vomiting and nausea
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Rash
Strep throat is spread through close contact with another person who has strep throat.
Don’t lose your voice with a sore throat when Willis Urgent Care has solutions. Call, walk-in, or simply book online today.
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a sudden fever, especially if it’s 101ËšF or higher
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a sore, red throat with white patches
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a headache
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swollen lymph nodes in the neck
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For more information on strep throat see the following websites:
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https://www.emedicinehealth.com/strep_throat_symptoms_in_children_and_adults/article_em.htm
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https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/understanding-strep-throat-symptoms#1
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Disclaimer: The links above are to sites independent of Willis Urgent Care. The information provided is for educational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your doctor. Always follow your doctor’s recommendations regarding your specific medical questions, treatments, therapies, and other needs.
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