Fact Checked
Strep throat is a bacterial infection which result to inflammation and discomfort in the throat and brought about by the group A streptococcus bacteria. Adults and children are susceptible to this condition. But it is usually common in children between 5 and 15.
Symptoms of strep throat
- Pain in the throat
- Difficulty in swallowing
Swelling of the lymph glands in the neck and tender when touched. - The throat tonsils look red and swollen and presence of white patches or pus.
- Red tiny spots at the back of the roof of the mouth
- Swelling of the lymph glands in the neck and tender when touched
- Bad breath due to infected tonsils starts to secrete dead white blood cells which causes a protein-like odor.
- Fever and chills usually in the second day of the infection. A fever of 38.3 C needs to be treated immediately.
- Development of rashes especially in the chest that looks and feels like a sandpaper.
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Nausea, vomiting and stomach ache especially in children
Treatment
- Take the prescribed over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen to lessen the fever and the pain. Avoid giving aspirin to children and teenagers to prevent the risk of developing Reye’s syndrome which is swelling in the liver and the brain.
- Gargle with salt water solution to lessen the pain due to strep throat. In a glass filled with warm water, add ¼ teaspoon of salt. Mix them well until salt is totally dissolved and then gargle the solution for at least 30 seconds and then spit it out. Repeat the process several times every day as needed. Avoid swallowing the solution.
- Drink plenty of fluids to keep the throat lubricated and lessen the pain when swallowing. Another alternative is to drink warm liquids such as warm tea mixed with lemon or honey relaxes the throat.
- Take plenty of rest. Stay home from work or school and get plenty of sleep for fast healing of the condition.
- Use a humidifier inside the room to prevent drying out of the throat at night and becomes painful in the morning. The humidifier adds moisture to the air while sleeping at night or resting during day time and lessen the pain. Make sure the humidifier is cleaned regularly to prevent bacteria and mold.
- Use the prescribed spray or lozenges to lessen the pain in the throat and painful swallowing. The lozenges coat the throat to lessen the irritation and numb the throat to lessen the symptoms. Avoid giving lozenges to children below age 4 to prevent the risk of choking.
- Take the prescribed full course of antibiotic to lessen the pain and the inflammation and for the fast healing of the condition.
Tips
- Wash hand as often as possible to prevent the spread of infection to people around.
- Always cover the mouth when sneezing or coughing
- Avoid sharing personal items such as cups, utensils and anything that goes to the mouth to prevent the risk of spreading strep throat to other people.
FACT CHECK
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/understanding-strep-throat-basics#1
https://www.healthline.com/health/strep-throat
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/strep-throat/symptoms-causes/syc-20350338