Strep Throat – Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Strep throat (Streptococcal Pharyngitis) is a bacterial infection that causes a sore throat (pharyngitis).

It is caused by the bacteria group A streptococcus. Your doctor will almost certainly prescribe penicillin or amoxicillin for ten days if you do. Strep throat can occasionally lead to more severe health issues, such as rheumatic fever. Inform your doctor of any allergic reactions to antibiotics to be given a different medication. While you wait for the antibiotics to initiate and fight the infection, you can also try some of the tips to make your throat feel better – taking warm liquids, such as tea with honey. Gargle with a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water several times per day; suck on popsicles, hard candies, throat lozenges, or drink cold liquids.

What causes Strep throat?

The bacteria that cause strep throat prefer to live in the nose and throat. As a result, common activities such as sneezing, coughing or shaking hands can easily spread an infection from one person to the next.

Unmanaged strep throat is more likely to spread the infection when the symptoms are at their worst, but they can still infect others for up to three weeks.

That is why it is critical to know the value of handwashing. Good hygiene can reduce their risk of contracting contagious diseases like strep throat.

What are the signs and symptoms of Strep throat?

With Strep throat, the sore throat appears quickly and is more likely to be accompanied by the following symptoms:

A fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

• Tonsils are red and swollen.
• Suffering from swallowing pain.
• Lymph nodes in the front of your neck are swollen and/or tender.
• Throat with white patches.
• Several small red spots on the roof of the mouth (called petechiae).
• Loss of appetite.
• Stomachache
• Headache
• Ache in the body
• Vomiting and nausea

How to treat Strep Throat?

After a clear diagnosis, doctors usually prescribe antibiotics to treat strep throat. These antibiotics work by fighting against the bacteria that cause the infection. Amoxicillin, cephalexin and penicillin are the most commonly used antibiotics to treat strep throat.

Home remedies to prevent Strep Throat

There are numerous home remedies for treating strep throat during pregnancy. These remedies may aid in the relief of strep throat pain and aches. However, before taking any over-the-counter medication while pregnant, you should consult your doctor. 

some home remedies to relieve you from Strep throat and feel better:

• Gargling with warm salt water relieves throat pain. A pinch of turmeric added to hot water may also be beneficial.
• Cold beverages frequently aggravate a sore throat. Cold drinks should be avoided.
• Citrus juices often irritate the throat; avoid them.
• Several herbal teas can be used as natural pain relievers to help relieve sore throats. Some options include green tea, honey tea and chamomile tea.
• Drink enough fluids to keep your body hydrated while pregnant. This also reduces the possibility of infection during pregnancy.
• Hands should be washed frequently, especially before cooking and eating, after using the restroom, returning home from being outside, and so on.
• To keep the air moist, use a humidifier. Inhaling moist air may help relieve swollen tissue in your throat and nose.
• While coughing or sneezing, cover your nose and mouth.
• Menthol, which is found in some throat lozenges, gently numbs the tissue in your throat. This may temporarily relieve your pain and burning sensations.

Summing up

Strep throat is a common bacterial infection in the throat and tonsils that leads to a sore or scratchy throat, accompanied by white patches on your tonsils.

The majority of people who get strep throat develop a fever and frequently see red spots or white lines in the back of their throat. Extra rest is required to allow your body and medicine to fight the infection.

The symptoms of Strep Throat subside in a day or two of beginning antibiotics in most cases. As long as you finish the entire course of medicine, you should be fine and feel better in a week. However, if your sore throat hasn’t improved after two days of taking antibiotics, you should consult your doctor.