How To Treat Strep Throat?

Symptoms of Strep Throat

Understanding the symptoms of any treatment is essential because if you recognise the signs early, you can get the correct treatment. Here are some of the symptoms of Strep Throat :

• - Tonsils may look larger than usual
• - Tonsils may turn bright red
• - Hurt while swallowing food or even your saliva.
• - Severe throat pain
• - White patches or streaks of pus
• - Small red dots on the roof of your mouth
• - Fever
• - Headache
• - Nausea or Vomiting
• - Feel general discomfort and aches all over your body.

If you notice these symptoms, it is a perfect time to consult a doctor soon. Getting an early treatment can help you avoid any further complications.

Treatment of Strep Throat

Understanding Its Cause

Strep Throat is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes. This condition is highly contagious. It can cause severe pain many times. If you feel any symptoms, then you should go to a doctor. They will likely perform a rapid strep test or throat culture to confirm the diagnosis.

Strep throat can spread very easily from one person to another through respiratory droplets or direct contact. The bacteria that are the cause of this whole issue live in the nose and the throat. So when you sneeze, cough, or talk, the infection spreads through the respiratory droplets.

Treatment Options for Strep Throat

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are prescribed to kill bacteria causing the infection. The course of antibiotics may vary according to individual situation. But usually, the course may last ten days. These antibiotics help eliminate the symptoms more quickly. It also prevents any further complications and, lastly, reduces the contagious period.

Important Note

• - Even if you feel better while the course is going on, do not stop the course in between without the consultation of your doctor.
• - Leaving the course in between can leave some bacteria alive. This, in turn, can lead to a recurrence.
• - If you have any allergies related to antibiotics, then it is essential to inform your doctors.

Pain and Fever Management

While suffering from Strep Throat, it is common to have symptoms like body pain and fever. Again, in this condition, medicine like Ibuprofen or acetaminophen is given to ease pain. These have to be taken as per the doctor’s prescription.

Important Note

Do not give aspirin to children if you find these kinds of symptoms. Do consult a doctor for a better understanding of the situation. Avoid aspirin due to the risk of Reye syndrome, a rare but serious condition.

Treatment Without Antibiotics

There are two circumstances in which you might not need antibiotics :

• - If your Strep test is negative, it's good news because you would not need antibiotics. You might feel a sore throat because of a virus. In this kind of condition, antibiotics won't help.
• - If you have a positive test and there is no sign of any symptoms, then, in this case, you might be a carrier. Carriers are less likely to spread the bacteria or have complications, so antibiotics may not be necessary.

What are the Complications Related to Strep Throat?

Most of the cases can be treated through antibiotics. However, if left untreated, there can be several serious complications. Here is a brief overview of the complications related to Strep Throat :

Spread of Infection

If left untreated, the infection can spread to different parts of the body, causing infection.

• - It can cause painful and swollen tonsils
• - Headaches and facial pain called sinuses
• - It can result in an ear infection
• - It can cause pain and swelling behind the ear.
• - Infection can spread to the skin or bloodstream.

All these conditions may soon become severe if left untreated for a long period.

Peritonsillar Abscess

It is like a collection of pus around the tonsils. Some of the symptoms of such a condition are severe pain, difficulty swallowing, and a swollen throat. If you feel any of these symptoms, then consult a doctor soon to handle the situation.

Inflammatory Responses

Untreated Strep Throat can cause inflammation in various parts of the body, including :

Scarlet Fever

It is like a red rash, which usually appears on the neck and chest before spreading. It is caused by toxins produced by the streptococcus bacteria.

Rheumatic Fever

It includes symptoms like fever, joint pain, and inflammation, which can lead to permanent heart damage. The main reason for its cause will be an abnormal immune system.

You do not need to panic, as Strep Throat is very easy to treat. It is essential to not try and cure any problem by yourself at home and consult your doctor for professional advice about any symptoms caused.

What Will be the Recovery Timeline for Strep Throat?

With antibiotics, the symptoms usually improve within a few days (3–4 days). There might be a certain level of relief that you feel. If there is no evidence of improvement, then the best option is to consult your doctor again about your situation and the lack of recovery.

Without antibiotics, symptoms can persist longer, and contagiousness can last several weeks.

Going for the treatment of Strep Throat as soon as possible is crucial to ensuring a faster recovery. It helps prevent any further complications which might cause severe pain. If you notice that you have any of the symptoms related to Strep Throat, then consult our clinic, Kundan ENT Hospital, for the best treatment in Ahmedabad. Here, our ENT Specialist, Dr Mukund Vaghela, and his team will analyse your condition and create a perfect environment for you to have a quick Throat Treatment in Ahmedabad.