What is a Strep Throat? What are its Symptoms and its Treatment?

Strep throat is a common malady, one with which many people are very familiar. In general terms, it is contagious, painful and can cause a lot of discomfort, especially when the throat swells. Symptoms seem to vary from mild to serious, depending on the individual and the treatment methods.

Strep throat is caused by a specific type of bacteria (streptococcal) that thrive in the moist, warm areas of the nose and throat. Symptoms include sore throat, swelling and fever. It’s quite common among children, even into the teen years. Groups of individuals are at risk of contracting this condition when others sneeze or cough and the bacteria spread through touch or in a close area.

Not a Virus

Many people suffer from sore throat caused by a virus. These conditions must be treated much differently from strep throat, which has its source in a particular kind of bacteria. Medical research indicates that streptococcal bacteria grow quickly and show a particular “halo” that indicates damage to red blood cells.

If a person’s system is attacked by this bacterium, they will probably start to experience throat pain and fever in a day or two. The tonsils may become enlarged and anyone inspecting the throat of an infected person will usually see white or lighter-colored patches. Individuals with strep throat generally have difficulty swallowing because of the inflammation and swelling. Symptoms may include headache and loss of appetite.

What can be Done?

First and foremost, it is best to seek help from a doctor right away. If a child says they have a sore throat and don’t feel like swallowing food, use a flashlight to check the throat condition. You will probably see inflammation and pockets of white or pus on the throat tissue and tonsils.

Start home care with making sure the affected person drinks plenty of fluids, even if swallowing is difficult. It’s important to keep the ill person hydrated and the water or natural fruit juices can help moisten the throat. Soup/broth and rest are also very important in the early stages of strep throat. Use over-the-counter pain relievers in limited quantities. You may also want to try some herbal teas, but drink them at a warm temperature (not hot).

Medicine, Man

It’s also important to treat the source of strep throat. A doctor will usually prescribe an antibiotic that must be taken consistently over a period of several days. Pain and inflammation should start to reduce in intensity in a couple of days.

It’s very important not to stop taking the antibiotics too soon, as this will leave bacteria that may cause the symptoms to return. Continue with some of the suggested home remedies and pay close attention to the individual for signs of new symptoms. If initial treatments of antibiotics don’t have the desired effect, the doctor may have to switch medications. With strep throat, it’s important not to stop treatment before the medicines have had time to do their work.