Many sore throats are often caused due to inflammations in the pharynx. Such cases are often harmless and caused by viral infections. Strep throat, on the other hand, is a result of bacterial infection. Strep throats are initially minor cases of throat infections, which however, lead to major infections.
Symptoms
Many symptoms of strep throat are similar to those of other conditions. The following are symptoms of strep throat that will allow you to suspect the condition, if it takes place in a person:
- Sore throat
- Difficulties in swallowing
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Red throat
- Rashes
- Suppressed hunger
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck-areas will be tender
- Foul breath odor
Treatment
The only treatment necessary for strep throat is taking antibiotics. Make sure you contact your physician if the above mentioned symptoms appear or you suspect strep throat in the person. Often minor infections are left without treatment to prevent resistance in bacteria. However, in case of strep throat, doctors suggest using antibiotics at any cost—to prevent further, severe infections from taking place.
Make sure you complete the prescription as stopping the use of antibiotics before the infection is cured may lead to more severe infections, which will be more difficult to treat.
In case of severe pain, you may take ibuprofen or any over-the-counter painkillers. To alleviate fever, use acetaminophen. A home remedy to treat swelling and pain is to gargle your mouth with warm, salt water, daily.
Caution
- The condition is highly contagious and can lead to infection in other people through contact with mucus. It is ideal to not send your child to school or anywhere out in public such as playgrounds or day care centers till symptoms disappear and antibiotic treatment is complete.
- Strep throat can lead to severe infections which are in relation to other streptococcal infections, if left untreated, infections include necrotizing fasciitis and impetigo, however, conditions are often rare.
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