What is strep throat?
Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by group A streptococcus. Strep throat is very common in children, but adults can catch the infection, too. The bacteria is spread when someone with the infection coughs or sneezes and you breathe in the bacteria, or, the bacteria has made its way to a commonly used object that you’ve touched, such as a door handle, and then you touch your nose or eyes.
If left untreated, your strep throat infection may affect kidney health or lead to rheumatic fever, which causes inflammation in your joints.
What are the symptoms of strep throat?
If you have a sore throat, it’s possible that you may have strep throat. However, the common cold and the flu also cause throat pain. If your sore throat is accompanied by a runny nose, a cold or flu are the more likely culprits.
Symptoms of strep throat include:
- Pain when swallowing
- Fever
- Headache
- Swollen tonsils
- Body aches
- Red spots at the back of your throat
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, the team at Pinnacle Health Group can determine the underlying cause of your throat pain and provide the most effective treatment.
How do I know if I have strep throat?
Your Pinnacle Health Group provider can determine if you have strep throat when you come in for care. During your evaluation, your provider reviews your symptoms and medical history and evaluates your throat.
To confirm that your throat pain is due to a strep infection, your provider conducts a strep test. During this test, your provider gently swabs the back of your throat and tests for the bacteria. You should have the results of the test within 10 minutes or so.
What treatments can clear up my strep throat?
If your strep test determines that your throat pain is due to the bacterial infection, your provider prescribes an antibiotic to clear it up. You should start to feel better within a few days of starting the antibiotic, but be sure to continue the medication as directed to prevent recurrence of your infection.
If your sore throat isn’t due to a strep infection, then your provider can provide recommendations, such as anti-inflammatories and over-the-counter pain medication, to relieve your symptoms.
For a quick test to see if your throat pain is due to strep throat, call Pinnacle Health Group today or request an appointment online.
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