How to Get Rid of Strep Throat
Whether you are dealing with strep throat symptoms for the first time or if you have been dealing with this condition for some time, there are several ways to get rid of this problem. It is important to remember that strep throat is caused by a bacteria called streptococcus. This type of bacteria is a common cause of ear infections and sore throats. But it is also a very serious condition.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Strep Throat include fever, sore throat, and pain when swallowing. These symptoms usually develop within five days of exposure to the bacteria that causes strep. If you or your child has a sore throat, call your doctor right away. You may have to take an antibiotic to help heal the infection.
A rash is another symptom of strep throat. The rash can be red or sandpaper-like. The rash will disappear in about a week.
Your doctor will also check your tonsils for white or red patches. The tonsils are lymph nodes on either side of the back of the throat. If the tonsils are swollen or covered with pus, it is a sign that you have strep throat.
If the test results show that you have strep throat, you should start an antibiotic. Typically, penicillin or amoxicillin are the first drugs tried. The course of antibiotics will last for ten days. If you are allergic to penicillin, you may be given an alternative drug.
After taking the antibiotic, your symptoms will improve quickly. You can return to normal activities once the fever goes away. However, if the strep throat has caused other complications, you may be prescribed other antibiotics.
You should avoid sharing food and liquids with other people. You should also not smoke or breathe secondhand smoke. If you have a fever, use warm liquids to help reduce your body’s temperature.
You should also avoid chewing or suckling on solids. You can also drink cold drinks to keep hydrated.
If you have been diagnosed with strep throat, you should take all the medications that your doctor prescribes. This will help prevent the recurrence of the infection. You should also tell others that you have strep throat so that they can take proper precautions.
It is important to remember that strep throat is highly contagious. You can pass the bacteria to others through sneezing, coughing, and touching objects. Therefore, you should not go to school, childcare, or preschool.
If you think that you or your child might have strep throat, you should see your doctor. It is also important to get plenty of rest.
Diagnosis
Typically, doctors prescribe ten days of antibiotic medicine for strep throat. The antibiotic will kill the bacteria that are causing the infection and prevent further complications.
Strep throat is caused by a specific kind of bacteria called group A streptococcus. These bacteria are very infectious and can easily spread from person to person. They also cause rheumatic fever, a very painful condition that can affect the joints and kidneys. Strep infection can cause fever, sore throat, headache, and nausea.
Diagnosis of strep throat is done with a throat culture. This is the gold standard for diagnosing the infection. The throat swab is tested for strep bacteria and a positive result is required to get an antibiotic.
In some cases, a rapid antigen detection test can be used to confirm the diagnosis. This type of test can diagnose strep throat in less than 15 minutes.
The most common antibiotics prescribed for strep throat are penicillin and amoxicillin. These drugs are usually given twice a day for ten days. The doctor may also prescribe other antibiotics to fight the infection.
Strep throat can be passed from person to person through normal activities such as coughing or sneezing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 2 to 5 days pass between exposure to group A strep and the first symptoms of strep throat.
If your child has strep throat, it is important to start the antibiotic treatment as soon as possible. A fever is one of the main symptoms, but other signs include coughing, sore throat, redness of the tonsils, white patches in the tonsils, and headache. The doctor will do a physical examination, including checking the throat for swelling and redness and checking the lymph nodes in the neck.
It is important to complete the entire course of antibiotics. The goal is to eliminate the infection and prevent rheumatic fever. In addition, strep throat patients should not return to school until their fever has gone away. The children should also stay home for at least 12 hours after their fever has stopped.
Treatment
Getting treatment for strep throat is very important. It is easy to spread and can lead to serious complications. If left untreated, strep throat can lead to an ear infection, sinus infection, or scarlet fever.
The most common treatment for strep throat is to take antibiotics. Antibiotics kill the strep bacteria that are causing the sore throat. They also help shorten the duration of the illness.
Typically, doctors will prescribe a 10-day course of antibiotics. Penicillin and amoxicillin are the most common drugs. If your child is allergic to penicillin, they will be given an alternative. These medications are available in both oral and injection forms.
A rapid strep test can diagnose strep throat in as little as one minute. This test takes a sample of mucous and fluid from the back of the throat. The results come back within two days.
If the test is positive, your child should be treated with an antibiotic for 10 days. You may be able to speed up recovery by using a humidifier. Children can also suck on hard candies or sip warm fluids.
If your child’s sore throat is accompanied by a fever or a headache, they should see a doctor. In addition to antibiotics, they can receive acetaminophen. A cold drink is also recommended for hydration.
In addition to taking antibiotics, you should keep your child’s throat free of strep by practicing good hygiene. Make sure you wash your child’s hands thoroughly and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. It is important to rinse your child’s hands and wash them again after touching any part of their body.
You should also make sure that your child does not share anything. This is important because it is possible for the strep bacteria to survive after the symptoms have gone away. If your child’s symptoms have not improved after 48 hours, see a physician.
If your child has more than two symptoms, they should be tested for strep. The tests are not always accurate, but they can rule out false negatives.
Prevention
Several steps can be taken to prevent strep throat. Among these, it is important to wash your hands frequently. Also, avoid touching the same surface and consuming foods, drinks, and other objects that have been shared. The use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers can help prevent the spread of strep throat.
To treat strep throat, the bacteria that cause it are killed. The antibiotics that are usually used can reduce the duration of the infection and the severity of the symptoms. The antibiotics can also decrease the risk of post-strep kidney damage.
It is important to contact your doctor if you suspect that you have strep throat. If left untreated, the condition may lead to scarlet fever, rheumatic fever, and kidney damage. In addition, it can affect your heart valves.
You can prevent strep throat by washing your hands after you use the restroom and before you handle food and other items. You should also avoid sharing utensils and kitchenware. If you must share, you should use separate utensils and clean them.
You should also avoid touching the face or nose of people who are infected with strep throat. Cover your mouth with a tissue if you cough or sneeze. If you do not have a tissue, cover your elbow.
You should also eat a well-balanced diet. A diet that is rich in protein and vegetables can increase your immunity and help you fight strep throat. You should also drink plenty of water. This will help hydrate your body and make your throat feel better.
The use of antibacterial soap or an alcohol-based hand rub can also be helpful. If you do not have soap, you can also use salt water to wash your hands.
You should avoid smoking, as it can irritate the inner lining of your respiratory tract. It is important to have regular exercise to keep your body healthy. If you are pregnant, you should also consider avoiding strep throat.
Children are more susceptible to strep throat. They are more likely to get it in school or daycare. Adults are not as affected. However, they can catch it from other infected individuals.
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Health A-Z. (2022, April 26). Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-a-z-4014770
Harvard Health. (2015, November 17). Health A to Z. https://www.health.harvard.edu/health-a-to-z
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