Everyone, at least once or twice in their lifetime, has experienced the irritating pain of Strep Throat; it is one of the most common infections. For some, this might be a mild issue but it deserves seriousness since Strep Throat is caused by bacteria and can spread quite easily without proper precautions. To better understand and manage the infection, patients must learn about the potential causes, symptoms, and treatment plans. Our first and foremost focus at Absolute Urgent Care is providing our patients with timely diagnosis on conditions such as Strep Throat and ensuring that the best treatment is provided.
What is Strep Throat?
The throat feels sore all the time and swallowing food or even speaking can be excruciating, and in some cases, even the tongue may feel sore; these can be a few symptoms of Strep Throat which is a bacterial infection caused by the Streptococcus pyogenes infection or group A streptococcus infection. It has been observed that children between the ages of 5 to 15 are more exposed and prone to this infection, but it does not just limit itself to children and can also be contracted by adults already living with infected individuals.
Causes of Strep Throat
The most common and easiest way for the infection to spread is through direct contact with an infected person, which might even include sharing a meal with them or allowing them to breathe on you when they cough or sneeze. There are other relatively common modes of transmission as well, which include:
- Coughing and Sneezing: Infected individuals release respiratory droplets which can be inhaled by others.
- Touching Contaminated Surfaces: Since eating together with family is normal, touching doorknobs, plates, and forks can result in one part of the family being at risk of contracting bacteria.
- Close Contact: The proximity between these individuals can escalate the rate at which the disease spreads, increasing the chances of its transmission.
Symptoms of Strep Throat
Depending on the severity of the infection, the signs and symptoms of Strep Throat may vary. Treatment should begin as soon as these signs are noticed. Commonly observed symptoms include:
- Sore Throat: One of the main symptoms is intense pain and discomfort that has a sudden onset and often peaks quickly.
- Pain When Swallowing: The patient may experience difficulty swallowing or pain as a result of swallowing.
- Red and Swollen Tonsils: The tonsils may also appear red and swollen; some infected areas might have streaks of pus or white patches.
- Fever: Strep Throat is often accompanied by a high fever (above 101°F).
- Swollen Lymph Nodes: Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck that are painful to touch could be a sign of Strep Throat.
- Headache and Fatigue: A general feeling of malaise, along with feelings of tiredness, could also occur as further symptoms of Strep Throat.
- Nausea or Vomiting: Gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, which is common in children, could also be observed as some symptoms of Strep Throat.
Diagnosing Strep Throat
In order to prevent bacterial infections, which require different kinds of antibiotics, it is crucial that the diagnosis is properly conducted, especially when determining whether it is Strep Throat or some sort of viral infection. Usually, diagnosis includes the following:
- Physical Examination: The medical practitioner will evaluate signs such as the presence of swollen tonsils or lymph nodes along with the patient’s reported symptoms of fever.
- Rapid Strep Test: This test is used to determine the presence of group A streptococcus within a few minutes in an individual.
- Throat Culture: This is recommended when the rapid strep test result is negative.
Considering all of that, Absolute Urgent Care offers reliable testing options which help to achieve better accuracy and speed in terms of treating the patient.
Treatment for Strep Throat
Strep throat is definitely not hard to deal with if it’s treated at an early stage. The prime target of the treatment is to wash out the active infection, help relieve the symptoms and try to avoid potential issues. Here are the most used:
Antibiotics
- Penicillin and Amoxicillin: These two are now the go-to antibiotics in combating strep throat. They reduce the bacteria and the chances of any further problems occurring.
- Alternative Antibiotics: If a patient is known to be unresponsive to penicillin, azithromycin, or cephalexin can be used.
- Treatment Duration: It’s highly crucial to complete the entire course of antibiotic treatment even when you are feeling better to ensure no part of the infection survives.
Symptom Relief
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Tablets like ibuprofen and paracetamol will definitely help one control throat and fever pain.
- Hydration: Ensuring that you drink a decent amount of fluids will slowly ease your throat and make sure that you don’t become dehydrated.
- Saltwater Gargles: Taking warm salt water and gargling it will help reduce the swelling and irritation.
- Throat Lozenges and Sprays: The soreness can be eased for a little while with these lozenges.
Home Remedies
- In order to recover, you need to take absolute rest in the first place.
- Throat irritation can also be alleviated by using a humidifier in the throat area.
- Complications when Strep Throat is Left Untreated
Although strep throat can be easily managed, if left unattended it can also lead to quite a few complications like:
- Rheumatic Fever: It is a post-infection inflammatory disease which can cause damage to the heart, joints, and the nervous system.
- Post-Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis: It is an extremely rare kidney disease which is secondary to infections by strep.
- Tonsillar Abscess: These are pouches filled with pus that are present around the tonsils and result in acute pain and in a few cases require drainage.
- Spread of Infection: As a result of streptococcus, the bacteria may transfer to other sites such as the sinuses, skin, or ears.
Avoiding Strep Throat
Certain measures and precautions can help avoid the possibility of either contracting strep throat or spreading it to another person. Some are highlighted below:
- Proper Hygiene: Strep throat can be avoided by proper hygiene. Always use water and soap to wash your hands after sneezing, touching surfaces, or coughing.
- Sharing Personal Belongings Should Be Avoided: Cups, towels, and even utensils should not be exchanged among one another.
- Mouth and Nose Should Be Covered: Consider using a tissue, cloth, or elbow to block sneezes and coughs.
- Avoid Social Interactions When Feeling Sick: If your child or you have been diagnosed with strep throat, it is wiser to avoid going to school, work, or social events until you have completed twenty-four hours of antibiotic treatment.
When to Seek Professional Help
Medical assistance becomes necessary if one of the below conditions persists. Even though mild sore throats most of the time do not require medical assistance.
Additional symptoms or signs have lasted for more than 48 hours and have shown no improvement over that period.
- There is an obstruction in the ease of breathing or there is a problem in swallowing.
- There is a high temperature along with the sore throat.
- There are other unusual symptoms such as a skin rash or pain in the joints.
We offer a strep throat treatment that best meets your strep throat needs and requirements. One does not have to worry about anything once they reach out to Absolute Urgent Care.
Way Forward: New Strategies to Address Strep Throat
There are new strategies to address strep throat around the world as healthcare improves. Some include:
- Diagnostic Tools for Rapid Testing: More tests performed quicker and more accurately lead to direct treatment at earlier stages.
- Telehealth Options: A virtual appointment enables patients to call in regard to their symptoms and get prescribed medicine without the need to visit the clinics.
- Use of Healthcare Antibiotics: Focus on the use of antibiotics where necessary helps in ensuring proper treatment and avoids antibiotic resistance.
What Can You Expect From Absolute Urgent Care?
Absolute Urgent Care is here to ensure you have the best experience in regards to your health. The following shows why numerous patients have considerable faith in us.
- Strep within 10 min and strep throat care plans: We provide solutions such as rapid strep tests and strep throat care plans which are fully catered to your needs.
- Medical experts with experience: Our hard-working doctors will be able to provide you with the correct treatment and an accurate diagnosis.
- Easy Access: We have strategically located our clinics to ensure an easier and quicker treatment process.
Care that is directed towards the patient: We aim to establish a safe and caring atmosphere for all our patients.
While strep throat is a prevalent illness, some people can even get girls’ strep throat but strep throat requires immediate treatment to avoid further complications. The causes and symptoms must be understood and treated in a timely manner. At Absolute Urgent Care we try to provide the best from us in order to keep you and your loved ones healthy. If you think you may have strep throat, we encourage you to come to us so we can assist you in our best possible way. Your well-being is our concern and please rest assured that we are here for you at all times.
