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Strep Throat: Signs And Treatment
Strep throat is an infection of the throat and tonsils caused by a bacteria called group A streptococcus, which is also known as Streptococcus pyogenes. This bacteria lives in the nose and throat. You can get the infection from someone who is carrying strep A bacteria or is sick from it.
Anyone can get strep throat, but it's most common in children and teens.
Strep throat is most common in children and teens. However, anyone can get it, especially those who come into frequent contact with children or who live or work in crowded places. (Photo credit: E+/Getty Images)
Strep throat vs. Sore throat
A sore throat is the main sign you or your child has strep. However, allergies, dry air, sinus drainage, colds, and other viruses can cause a sore throat too.
Signs that the infection might be viral rather than caused by strep bacteria include:
Strep throat typically appears as pus or inflammation at the back of your throat. While you can usually treat sore throats caused by something other than strep on your own, it's important to see a doctor if you think you have strep throat.
Viral infections cause most sore throats, but strep throat is a bacterial infection.
Is strep throat contagious?
The bacteria that cause strep throat pass easily from person to person through close contact. Strep throat spreads when someone who has the infection coughs or sneezes, spraying droplets filled with bacteria into the air.
You can get strep throat if you:
Strep throat contagious period
When you get infected with strep throat, you typically start to show symptoms about 2-5 days after you were exposed to the bacteria.
You can stay contagious for up to a month if you don't get treated. Antibiotics can prevent the infection from spreading. People who take antibiotics stop being contagious after about 24 hours.
Strep throat without tonsils
Strep throat typically impacts your tonsils and throat. You can still get strep throat if you don't have tonsils, but you will probably get it less frequently and your symptoms may be milder.
Can you get strep throat twice?
Yes. You are not immune to getting strep throat again if you've had it before, and there is no vaccine to prevent it.
With strep, the sore throat comes on quickly and is more likely to cause these other symptoms. Call your doctor if you or a child in your care has the following:
White spots on the throat
If you have strep throat, the telltale white patches, streaks, or spots on your throat are pus and indicate infection.
Strep skin rash
Scarlet fever, which sometimes develops in people with strep throat, causes a bright red rash that spreads over most of the body. Scarlet fever mostly affects children between the ages of 5 and 15. Once considered serious, it's now easily treated with antibiotics. However, if left untreated, scarlet fever may damage the heart, kidneys, or other organs.
Strep throat and cough
Having a cough with your sore throat is a key way doctors know you don't have strep throat. If you have a cough with your sore throat, it's most likely a viral condition rather than strep throat, a bacterial infection.
To see whether you have strep throat, contact your health care professional. They will ask about your or your child's symptoms. The only sure way to tell strep from viruses that cause a sore throat is to do a test.
Strep throat test
There are two kinds of strep throat tests:
Rapid strep test. It can identify a case in just a few minutes. The doctor will gently hold down your or your child's tongue with a depressor. Then, they will swipe a cotton swab around the back of the throat.
You'll get the results in 20 minutes or less. If the test is positive, which means strep is there, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat it.
If the test is negative, that means they didn't find strep bacteria. Your doctor might send the sample to a lab for a follow-up test that takes longer.
A rapid strep test can be positive even if you have a sore throat that's caused by a virus. It can be difficult to tell what's causing the sore throat in that situation because you're carrying the bacteria and a virus. If you keep getting a sore throat after taking antibiotics, you could have a viral throat infection and be a strep throat carrier. You might be less likely to spread it to other people, though.
Throat culture. The doctor will rub a swab over the throat and tonsils to be sent to the lab. If you or your child has strep throat, the streptococci bacteria will grow in it.
It usually takes about 2 days to get results from a throat culture. It can confirm whether it's strep throat or not.
Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to kill the bacteria that cause the infection. Most treatments last about 10 days. The medicine can make symptoms go away faster and help prevent complications.
If you or your child has a positive test but no symptoms, you're probably just a carrier. In that case, you're less likely to spread the bacteria to others and unlikely to have complications. So, you probably won't need antibiotics. Your doctor can let you know if you need them or not.
If the strep test is negative, a virus likely caused the sore throat. Antibiotics won't be needed because these medications don't kill viruses.
You can take medications to ease the pain of strep throat and lower fever, including over-the-counter medicines such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Don't give aspirin to children or teens. It can cause a rare but dangerous condition called Reye's syndrome.
Antibiotics for strep throat
The antibiotics penicillin and amoxicillin are the common treatment for strep throat. If you or your child are allergic to penicillin, then a class of drugs called cephalosporins (such as cephalexin and cefadroxil) may be used. Most oral antibiotics are usually taken for 10 days. There is also the option of a one-dose penicillin shot.
Make sure you or your child takes all of the doses. Stopping the medicine too early can leave some bacteria alive. These can make you or your child sick again. Be sure to tell the doctor if you or your child is allergic to any type of antibiotics.
Strep throat treatment without antibiotics
Treating strep throat with antibiotics is strongly recommended, as they can reduce the severity of your illness, limit contagiousness, and prevent complications. Not taking antibiotics, or failing to take all of them as prescribed, can lead to serious complications.
How long does strep throat last?
With antibiotics, you or your child should feel better within a couple of days. Call your doctor if that's not the case. After treatment, you should be less contagious in about a day. If you don't get treated with antibiotics, you can remain contagious for several weeks.
There are several things you can do at home to lessen pain and make you feel more comfortable:
The best way to avoid strep is to stay away from anyone who looks or sounds sick. Signs of strep throat can include:
Try not to share any personal items with someone who is sick. These include:
If you have strep, here are some things you or your child can do to avoid getting sick again:
Strep complications are rare today, thanks to better diagnosis and treatment. But untreated strep throat can cause serious diseases, such as:
Other strep complications involve an inflammatory response in different parts of your body, including:
Another rare complication, which is not well-understood, is a condition called PANDAS, which stands for pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections. It usually involves developing the tics and habits of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) after a strep infection. Symptoms of OCD can worsen after a strep infection, too.
Guttate psoriasis, a skin condition in which teardrop scales appear on the surface of the skin, is another potential complication. The scales may be red or silver in color and can be itchy.
Strep throat is a common and easily spread bacterial infection caused by bacteria group A Streptococcus, which develops within days of exposure. Symptoms include pain when swallowing, swollen and red tonsils, and fever. Treatment with antibiotics can clear up strep throat within days, easing symptoms, and reducing the risk of strep throat's spread and complications. Left untreated, strep bacteria can travel and cause infection in other areas of your body including your sinuses, tonsils, skin, middle ear, and blood.
Can strep throat go away on its own?
Strep throat will go away on its own after about a week. However, antibiotics will resolve your symptoms faster, make you less contagious, and reduce the risk of complications.
Can adults get strep?
Strep throat most commonly occurs in children aged 5 to 15. However, anyone of any age can get strep under certain conditions. Usually, these are settings where adults come into close contact with children such as day care centers and schools, or crowded settings such as military bases, jails, or homeless shelters.
What over-the-counter medicine can I take for strep throat?
To ease your sore throat and reduce fever, take over-the-counter medicines such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) and acetaminophen (Tylenol). However, don't give your child aspirin for fever, as this has been linked to Reye's syndrome, a rare but potentially life-threatening condition for children and teenagers.
Can I get rid of strep throat overnight?
No. But a course of antibiotics should help you feel better within 48 hours. Until then, ease your sore throat with pain-relieving over-the-counter medicines.
What should you eat when you have strep throat?
To ease swallowing pain, drink plenty of water and eat easy-to-swallow foods such as broth, applesauce, yogurt, and soft-cooked eggs. Eating cold foods such as popsicles, sherbet, or frozen yogurt might also soothe your throat. Avoid spicy or acidic foods.
Sore Throat Prototype
Causes of a Sore ThroatThere are several causes of a sore throat.
Viral Infection
The majority of sore throats are triggered by a viral infection. These are infections caused by a virus, such as the cold and flu.
Other types of viral infections include:
Bacterial Infection
A bacterial infection can also cause a sore throat. These types of infections include:
Environmental Factors
Not all sore throats are viral or bacterial. There are several other causes of throat pain. If you're allergic to mold, pet dander, pollen, or other irritants, exposure to these allergens can trigger post-nasal drip. This is when excess mucus accumulates in the back of your throat. This accumulation can irritate your throat and cause pain or inflammation.
Dry air can also make your throat feel raw and scratchy. Smoking cigarettes or exposure to cigarette smoke can trigger persistent sore throats, as well as throat strain from yelling or too much talking.
GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease may also cause your sore throat. This is a digestive condition characterized by the back flow of stomach acid into the esophagus. This condition causes an array of symptoms, such as a sore throat, hoarseness, heartburn, and nausea.
Other Causes
In very rare cases, a sore throat may be a sign of HIV or throat cancer.
Diagnosing a Sore ThroatMost sore throats do not require medical attention. However, see a doctor if your sore throat lasts for longer than one week and if you experience:
Determining the cause of your sore throat can help your doctor treat your symptoms. Your doctor will do a physical examination and examine your throat with a lighted instrument. He or she will look for signs of inflammation or white patches, which might indicate strep throat. Your doctor will also feel your neck for swollen glands and check your breathing.
Because strep throat is a common cause of sore throats, your doctor may swab the back of your throat and examine the sample for the Streptococcal bacteria. He or she may also run a blood test to determine whether you have a viral or bacterial infection.
If your doctor is unable to diagnose your sore throat, he or she will refer you to an allergist or an ear, nose, and throat specialist. These specialists will determine whether allergens or a throat disorder is the cause of your sore throat.
Note that it can be difficult to diagnose a sore throat in infants and toddlers. In this age group, refusal to eat is a common sign of throat irritation.
How to Treat a Sore ThroatThe treatment for a sore throat depends on the cause. However, you can treat many sore throats at home. Home treatment options include:
If a bacterial infection causes your sore throat, your doctor will prescribe a course of antibiotics to kill the infectious organisms. You should take your medication for 10 days or as prescribed by your doctor to treat the bacterial infection. A sore throat may recur if you stop treatment early.
If you have a viral infection, your doctor may want to let the virus run its course. During that time, he or she may prescribe medications, such as decongestants and pain relievers, to ease your symptoms. In some cases, your doctor may want to try an antiviral drug to fight the virus.
Part 5 of 6: Complications
Complications of a Sore ThroatIn the case of persistent bacterial throat infections, your doctor may recommend a tonsillectomy to surgically remove the tonsils. This is a last resort treatment that should only be considered when sore throats do not respond to antibiotics.
How to Prevent a Sore ThroatMany underlying causes of sore throats are infectious, and there are certain steps you can help you prevent future infection. Repeatedly washing your hands throughout the day kills germs and bacteria that can cause viral and bacterial infections. Additional steps that you can take to prevent a sore throat include:
What To Eat And Drink When You Have A Sore Throat
Certain warm drinks and foods, including oatmeal, may help soothe a sore throat. Choosing soft foods may prevent additional irritation.
When you have a sore throat, the burning and uncomfortable feeling it causes can make it hard to drink or eat. What foods are good to eat and drink when you have a sore throat?
Keep reading to find out the best things to eat and drink when you have a sore throat and the things you might want to avoid.
Foods that are soft and very easy to swallow are usually safe to eat when you have a sore throat. The soft texture will help limit the amount of irritation to your throat. Cool foods, hot soup, or tea with lemon, as well as gargling with warm, salty water, can also help soothe your throat.
Some foods you may want to eat are:
Eating and drinking these items will allow you to stay nourished without irritating your already sore throat.
You should avoid foods that might irritate your throat more or that are difficult to swallow. These foods may include:
In some people, dairy may cause your throat to feel coated, and your mucus may feel thicker and harder to swallow. This may prompt you to clear your throat more often, which may aggravate your sore throat.
The first and most cost-effective way to relieve your sore throat is by gargling with warm water and salt. Pour about a tablespoon of salt into 8 ounces of warm water. Stir the salt around in the water. Then, take a few sips, tip your head back, and gargle. Make sure not to swallow. Instead, spit it out and repeat.
Some herbal remedies may help. Herbal throat spray, drops, or teas that contain licorice root or honeysuckle flower can provide some relief. Before using an herbal treatment, though, make sure you're aware of any potential:
If you aren't sure what you can safely take, ask your doctor. This is especially true if you're pregnant or think you might be pregnant. Some herbal remedies aren't safe to use during pregnancy.
Read more: Treating a cold or flu while pregnant »
You can also use over-the-counter methods. Throat lozenges that you can get in some grocery and drugstores may not only take away the sting of a sore throat for a little bit, but many also have a pleasant taste.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is a mild pain reliever some people use for minor aches and pains. It can also help soothe a sore throat. Before taking acetaminophen, make sure to read the directions on the packaging and take the suggested amount that's best for you.
If none of these methods provide you with any long or lasting relief and your sore throat continues, you may need to try prescription medication. Talk to your doctor if you're experiencing a severe sore throat, or if you develop a high fever or swollen glands.
If your sore throat persists or is accompanied by high fever or swollen glands, see your doctor. Most sore throats occur due to viral infections, such as a cold or the flu, or bacterial infections, such as strep throat.
If you have a bacterial infection, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic. Antibiotics will not treat a sore throat that occurs due to a viral infection.
Sore throats can also occur due to environmental factors like allergies, inhaling cigarette smoke, or even dry air. People who snore can also experience sore throats.
Learn more: Allergies and sore throat: Treating the cause.
See your doctor if your sore throat has become unbearable and you're starting to feel worse or if you experience other symptoms like:
You should also see your doctor if your sore throat lasts longer than a week. Your doctor can run tests to rule out anything needing further attention.
Your sore throat will likely take a few days to go away, but you can get relief now by:
Sore throats usually go away within a week, but they'll often only last a few days. You can usually treat your sore throat with home care. See your doctor if:
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