If you have a sore throat, you may decide to see your health care provider to determine whether you have strep throat, a condition that can be very uncomfortable.
Strep throat is caused by the bacteria group A streptococcus. It's a generally mild disease that infects the throat and tonsils.
When an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes, they spread strep-containing droplets into the air. You may breathe them in or touch your mouth or nose after touching an infected surface or object. If you're exposed to someone who has strep throat, you'll typically catch it within two to five days.
Common symptoms include:
• A sore throat.
• Fever.
• Pain when swallowing.
• Red, swollen tonsils.
• White patches (pus) in the throat or on the tonsils.
• Tiny, red spots on the roof of the mouth (petechiae).
• Swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck.
• Headache.
In some cases, children may also have stomach pain, nausea, vomiting or rash (scarlet fever).
It's probably not strep throat if you have the following symptoms:
• Cough.
• Runny nose.
• A hoarse voice.
• Pink eye (conjunctivitis).
All strep throat cases need to be treated with antibiotics. This reduces pain; shortens the illness; prevents others from catching it; and reduces complications, like rheumatic fever, scarlet fever, and ear or sinus infections.
If your child has a persistent sore throat even with no other strep symptoms, contact your pediatrician's office for advice. It's especially urgent if your child:
• Seems extremely ill.
• Has breathing difficulties.
• Can't swallow and starts drooling.
If you have strep symptoms, check in with your health care provider, particularly if:
• You can't eat or drink due to swallowing difficulties.
• Symptoms continue or return after finishing your antibiotics.
• You develop a red rash or peeling skin.
• You get joint pain within a month of having strep throat.
• Your urine becomes red or brown.
The only way to tell if you or a loved one has strep throat is to get tested by your health care provider. They'll swab your throat and tonsils for a mucus sample. A rapid step test gives results in 15 minutes, and a throat culture test (which catches more infections) takes two days.
Along with antibiotics, feel better by trying these tips:
• Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain and fever.
• Gargle with warm salt water.
• Eat soft, soothing foods, like yogurt or applesauce.
• Suck on throat lozenges, pieces of ice or Popsicles (recommended for adults and older children; not recommended for younger children, who may choke).
• Stay hydrated and soothe your throat. Drink water as well as cool drinks (not acidic) and warm liquids, like broths and tea.
If you or your child test positive for strep throat, stay home until there's no fever and they or you have taken antibiotics for at least 24 hours.
Watson Clinic’s
Family Medicine and
Internal Medicine providers can test for strep throat and other infections and provide you with the tools you need to get better. Call 863-680-7190 to schedule an appointment. Our
pediatricians can provide similar services if you suspect your child may have strep throat. Visit
WatsonClinic.com/Pediatrics to schedule an appointment.
Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; American Academy of Pediatricians; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; UpToDate