Strep throat shares many symptoms with sore throat, but knowing the difference between these two illnesses can reduce the risk for serious complications. Strep throat is extremely common in the U.S., where it causes an estimated 5.2 million outpatient doctors’ visits every year, says the
CDC. This bacterial infection is highly contagious and feels similar to a viral sore throat that occurs with the common cold. However, strep throat can lead to more serious complications when it is not treated, such as kidney inflammation. Knowing whether or not you have strep throat can make it easier to determine whether you should seek treatment right away or let it pass with your other cold symptoms. Here are the symptoms and causes of strep throat and how to contact
Lompoc Valley Medical Center when you’re ready to seek treatment for this infection. What Is Strep Throat?Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus, or group A strep. This infection affects your throat and tonsils. If you have strep throat, you can spread it to someone else when you talk, sneeze, or cough. It can also spread if you allow an open skin sore to touch someone else. Strep throat usually doesn’t cause symptoms until two to five days after you have contracted the infection. You can get it if you touch something that has droplets on it from someone with strep, then touch your nose or mouth. You can also get it if you share drinking cups and eating utensils with an infected person. According to the CDC, strep throat is far more common in children than adults. Schools and daycares are the most common sources of strep throat for children. Strep Throat vs. Sore Throat: What’s the Difference?It can be easy to confuse strep throat with a sore throat. Both illnesses can cause severe pain and discomfort in the throat, making it difficult to talk, swallow, and eat. However, knowing the difference between strep throat and a sore throat can reduce your risk for serious complications. A sore throat is a common symptom of the common cold. It can be caused by viral infections, such as the flu. Sore throat is not a bacterial infection and therefore does not respond to antibiotics. In addition to being caused by viral infections, it can be caused by allergens or breathing in dry air while you sleep. Strep throat is much more serious than a sore throat and is a bacterial infection. It can usually be effectively treated with antibiotics. What Are Symptoms Of a Sore Throat?A sore throat will usually be accompanied by other symptoms of a cold or viral infection. Symptoms that typically co-occur with a sore throat include:
What Are Symptoms Of Strep Throat?Strep throat shares some symptoms with a sore throat, plus other symptoms that are often far more severe. Symptoms of strep throat include:
What Are Obvious Signs I Have Strep Throat?Throat pain and fever without a cough are the most common signs and symptoms of strep throat, says the CDC. You most likely have strep throat if you have a sore throat without cough and other symptoms of the common cold. The CDC adds that children with strep throat may also experience headache, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. The University of Utah reports that four obvious or tell-tale signs indicate you have strep throat. These signs are:
The best way to tell if you have strep throat is to make an appointment with your doctor. Your doctor can examine your throat and the inside of your mouth and order one or more diagnostic tests. Diagnostic tests for strep throat include a throat culture, a rapid antigen test, or a molecular test. All these tests involve taking a sample of fluids from your throat using a swab. What’s the Best Way To Treat Strep Throat?Antibiotics are usually the primary treatment for strep throat. Oral antibiotics can often destroy the bacteria causing your infection. In most cases, your symptoms will improve, and you can recover within two days of starting antibiotics. However, antibiotics are most effective when taken within 48 hours after your illness begins. This is why it’s vital to see your doctor right away if you think you might have strep throat. Another way to treat strep throat is to take over-the-counter (OTC) medicines that treat specific symptoms. For instance, you can take an OTC pain reliever like ibuprofen to reduce fever, headache, and throat pain. Here are other things you can do on your own to treat strep throat:
How Can I Avoid Getting Or Spreading Strep Throat In the Future?You can reduce your risk for strep throat by taking steps to avoid exposure to this infection. If you have strep, there are things you can do to avoid spreading it to others. These steps include:
When To See a DoctorStrep throat should always be treated as quickly as possible. Addressing it quickly can prevent it from progressing into complications like scarlet fever and kidney inflammation. Here are signs you should see your doctor right away:
Strep Throat Treatment At Lompoc Valley Medical CenterLompoc Valley Medical Center is home to a large team of board-certified physicians who can diagnose a wide range of medical conditions, including strep throat. If you have strep throat, we can treat it promptly to reduce your risk for serious complications related to this infection. Contact us today at (805) 737-3382 to request an appointment and learn more about our many healthcare services. How do you know if you are starting to get strep throat?The most common symptoms of strep throat include:. Sore throat that can start very quickly.. Pain when swallowing.. Fever.. Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus.. Tiny, red spots (petechiae — pronounced pi-TEE-kee-eye) on the roof of the mouth (the soft or hard palate). Can strep throat go away on OWN?Strep throat typically goes away in three to seven days with or without antibiotic treatment. However, if you don't take antibiotics, you can remain contagious for two to three weeks and are at a higher risk for complications, such as rheumatic fever.
What does strep throat feel like?You might see white dots or patches in the back of your throat. Your tonsils -- the bumps on either side at the back of your throat -- might be red and swollen, too. These could be signs of bacterial infection like strep throat or oral thrush, or a viral infection like oral herpes or mononucleosis.
What is strep throat caused by?Most people get sore throats from a viral infection, in other words, the common cold. But, occasionally, you might come down with strep throat, which is caused by a type of bacteria called Streptococcus pyogenes. These bacteria are contagious.
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