Sore, Scratchy Throat ?!?

STREP THROAT ?!?

Strep throat is a bacterial infection in the throat (posterior pharynx) and the tonsils. It can make your throat feel sore and scratchy. However only a small amount of sore throats are the result of strep throat.

Sore throats can also be caused by a viral infection, which can hurt just as much! Allergies and even esophageal reflux can also affect your throat.

Strep throat is caused by the streptococcal (strep) bacteria. There are many different types of strep bacteria. It is important to identify it and treat in order to avoid other problems that it may cause such as rheumatic fever and kidney inflammation.

The most common symptoms of strep throat:

            --Sudden, severe sore throat with painful swallowing of liquids and foods

            --Swollen lymph nodes and tonsils

            --Fever over 101 degrees F

            --Whitish spots on the back of a bright red throat

Your doctor will diagnose strep throat. They will do a physical exam and ask you about your symptoms and medical history. They may do a rapid strep test, which only takes about 7 – 10 minutes to get a result. If negative this can always be followed up with a throat culture, which takes 2 – 3 days to be finalized.

Strep throat is treated with antibiotics. This will allow you to feel better quicker and decrease the time that you are contagious.

Most patients are contagious while they have symptoms and for the first 24 hours after starting antibiotics. This includes spreading the infection to others as well as to other parts of your body. For the pain, fever and inflammation your doctor may recommend acetaminophen or ibuprofen on an as needed basis.

Don’t “fight through” the pain of a sore throat. See your Healthcare provider and get on the road to recovery!