Diagnose And Treat Strep Throat

A sore throat is common, especially if you have a cold, but a more involved infection can be painful and debilitating in some cases. Caused by a bacterium known as Streptococcus, strep throat can be a serious infection is not treated properly. Of course, knowing the signs of this infection is key for efficient diagnosis and an effective treatment. This guide will help you understand strep throat and which treatments will be necessary to restore your throat and underlying health.

Signs of Strep Throat

Obviously, you will experience pain and discomfort if you have strep throat. This pain is most likely felt when you attempt to swallow. In more severe cases, you may experience pain and soreness in the throat even when you are not swallowing.

The infection can also cause the throat to look red and inflamed. The tonsils in the back of your mouth will be swollen, red, and enlarged. Lymph nodes, which can be felt on your neck near your ears, will also be swollen. The neck may actually appear larger than normal if the lymph nodes are severely swollen.

Another common sign of strep throat are red spots that form on the back of the mouth, close to the throat. Strep can also cause white patches on the tonsils or back of the mouth.

A fever is also common if you have strep throat. This increased temperature is your immune system's response and attempt to fight off the infection.

Finally, you may experience headaches, nausea, and even vomiting, which are common side effects of any infection.

Treating Strep Throat

Strep throat is uncomfortable, but it can also be dangerous if you allow the infection to spread. Therefore, you should consult your doctor or visit an urgent care facility immediately if you are showing signs.

A simple swab of the back of the mouth or throat will allow the doctors to test cells for the strep bacteria. If the test is positive, your doctor will most likely prescribe you a few different medications.

Antibiotics are the main treatment for strep throat since they can kill the bacteria causing your strep. There are a variety of antibiotics available, so if you are allergic to one type, make sure your doctor prescribes you a different variety.

In addition, ibuprofen, which can be purchased over the counter, may be recommended as a pain and fever reducer.

You can live with the discomfort of strep throat, but treatment is imperative to stop the infection quickly. This guide and your doctor will help you understand, diagnose, and treat strep throat. Contact a facility like Alaska Urgent Care LLC if you have more questions.