Home Remedies for Strep Throat

Home Remedies for Strep throat Strep throat infection is a disease caused by bacteria called Streptococci. Symptoms may be mild to severe, and may include Sore Throat, fever, lymph node swelling in the neck, inflammation of the throat, and Swollen Tonsils with white or yellowish patches. Strep throat is common among children and adolescents, and it usually occurs from late fall to early spring, when the weather is cold and students are enclosed in classrooms. Strep throat infection is less common than most cases of sore throats, which are caused by viruses. However, home remedies for strep throat may help relieve its symptoms, as in most cases of sore throat infections.

Home Remedies for Strep Throat
1. Gargle with Salt Water


A great way to reduce pain and inflammation from strep throat is to gargle with a warm solution of salt water. It also helps kill the bacteria which causes strep throat. To prepare it, add half a teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water and stir until dissolved. Gargle for a few seconds, and spit out. Repeat regularly for two days.

2. Eat Throat-Soothing Foods
Eat foods that help soothe the throat, such as soup, broth, applesauce, mashed potatoes, cooked cereal, soft fruits, soft-boiled eggs, yogurt, and pureed foods. Sherbet, frozen fruit pops, frozen yogurt and other cold foods may also be soothing to the throat. Avoid acidic or spicy foods, as these foods can irritate your throat.

3. Avoid Dehydration
Fever increases fluid loss while painful swallowing decreases your fluid intake, which results in dehydration. Increase your fluid intake by taking warm soup, cold beverages and other soothing liquids. Avoid drinks that contain caffeine because it increases water loss.

4. Use a Humidifier
Use a cool-mist humidifier to add moisture to the air and keep your mucous membranes from becoming dry and irritated. Clean it daily, since molds and bacteria can grow in humidifiers. You can also use a saline nasal spray to keep the mucous membranes in your throat moist.

5. Take Throat Lozenges
Lozenges provide temporary pain relief for sore throat. However, avoid giving lozenges to young children who might choke on them.

6. Avoid Irritants
Avoid smoking, as it can irritate your throat and increase your risk of infection such as Tonsillitis. Keep away other fumes such as those from cleaning products or paint, which can also cause throat irritation.

7. Suck on Garlic
Garlic has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, so it is often used as a home remedy for infections, such as strep throat. Its sulfur content improves immune system function and helps fight infection. Suck on a piece of freshly peeled, sLiced garlic. To release the juice, crush it between the teeth occasionally.

You can also add grated garlic, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper to a cup of boiled water. Strain and drink them while warm.

8. Take Lemon Juice with Honey
Lemon juice contains vitamin C, which helps fight bacteria and promote overall health. Honey has natural healing properties that help moisturize the throat and relieve inflammation. To prepare, add one tablespoon of lemon juice and a tablespoon of honey to a cup of warm water. Mix and sip slowly. You can do this often for several days to relieve sore strep throat.

9. Take Chamomile Tea Regularly
Chamomile possesses analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can soothe a sore throat and relieve Headaches. Brew some dried flowers of chamomile in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Strain and add honey and lemon juice. Drink 3-4 times daily for two or three days.

10. Chew Some Onion
Onions have antibacterial properties that can kill bacteria in your throat. It is also a natural antiseptic, which can help speed up your recovery. Cut an onion into thick slices, chew and swallow slowly. Do this until you feel some improvement.

An alternative is to add four tablespoons of crushed onion juice in a glass of warm water. Gargle with the diluted onion juice and repeat several times during the day to heal sore throat.

Watch the video for more effective home remedies for strep throat:

Strep Throat in Toddlers

Strep Throat in Toddlers

Strep throat in toddlers can present as Sore Throat, fever and Headache. Finding a correct treatment could be difficult when the child is unwell. The disease is fairly common in school, so parents are generally concerned about their kids for catching this infection. Most school aged kids are susceptible of developing strep infection from someone at some time in their lives. With adequate treatment and prompt action, infection with strep throat can be very well kept under control.

What Are the Symptoms of Strep Throat in Toddlers?
Though suspected strep throat in toddlers needs to be confirmed by a doctor, there are few signs that can help parents recognize its presence, which vary from simple sore throat to severe tenderness and swelling of tonsils. Here are more about it:

• 
  
  Most characteristic sign of group A Streptococcus bacteria or GABS is bright red and Swollen Tonsils along with whitish flakes.


• Noticeable swelling with tenderness of the gland, a fever above 101°F and chills are among the few the alarming signs.


• A child may complain of sore throat, headache and difficulty of swallowing, stomachache or vomiting.


• Sometimes, red sandpaper like rash may develop all over the body. This is called as Scarlet Fever which can be treated by antibiotics. .

What Causes Strep Throat in Toddler?
Streptococcal bacteria are to be blame for strep throat. Group A beta hemolytic streptococcus is the most common cause. Besides, bacteria belonging to group C and G can also infect the throat.

Infection can spread when an infected person sneezes, cough or breathe, releasing tiny droplets into the air which are then inhaled by others. Most commonly, sore throat is caused by viral infection and other irritants like dry air, allergies, throat injury or smoke and not the strep infection.

Sometimes it may be hard to determine whether your condition is just a sore throat or a strep throat. Watch the video below to know their differences and treatments:

How to Diagnose Strep Throat
Strep throat is diagnosed by throat swab that involves wiping off the throat with a thin cotton bud, which is then sent for GABS bacteria testing. The result usually comes in a day or two.

Few clinics also use rapid test to detect strep infection. Though a positive test result means you have a strep bacterial infection, a negative test doesn't rule out its presence. Hence this test should always be followed by a throat swab. Strep throat resembles a lot with viral pharyngitis which cannot be treated with antibiotics; hence throat swab is very important in its diagnoses.

Medications for Strep Throat in Toddlers
Since you have known that your kids get strep throat, you should take measure to treat it to prevent its deterioration. Antibiotics and other OTC medications are the best for managing strep infection.

1. Antibiotics
A strep infection usually needs an oral antibiotic. Penicillin and amoxicillin are two main drugs used for this infection.

• Penicillin is given as intravenous injection and is suitable for children with vomiting or swallowing difficulty. Though, amoxicillin, belong to penicillin family, is preferred because of its better taste and availability in chewable tablets form.


• If a child is allergic to penicillin then drugs like clarithromycin, clindamycin, azithromycin and cephalosporin should be used.

These antibiotics help in reducing the severity and duration of symptoms and also cut down the further complication and spread of this infection. A child starts feeling better in a day or two of antibiotics. Further consultation is required if no improvement is seen after 48 hours of treatment. A full course of antibiotic should be completed as leaving it in between can lead to further recurrence and can cause serious complications such as kidney inflammation or Rheumatic Fever.

2. Other Medications
Few over the counter medications are also help in reducing the throat pain and fever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Aspirin should be avoided in children to prevent the development of Reye's syndrome. Label instructions should be carefully read and followed and a doctor or pharmacist should be consulted in case of any queries.

Home Remedies for Strep Throat
Though antibiotics are very effective in clearing strep throat infection, there are few home remedies that equally helpful.

1. Good Rest
A child tested positive for strep throat should be given bed rest till he or she feels better and signs of fever subside. Also he or she should be kept away from school or child care for at least 24 hours of starting antibiotics.

2. Hydration
Water helps to maintain hydration; hence drinking plenty of water is always a good idea. It soothes and lubricates the throat, thereby helping in swallowing.

3. Soothing Food
Food as puree, soft-cooked eggs, broths, soups, cooked cereal, mashed potatoes, yogurt or soft fruits are helpful as they are easy to swallow. Frozen yogurt or fruits pops, sherbet are also soothing for the throat. Spicy and acidic food should always be avoided such as orange juice.

4. Humidifiers
As moisture prevents the throat mucous membrane from drying up, keeping the air moist with a humidifier can help relieve the discomfort. It should be cleaned daily to avoid any growth of bacteria or molds. Saline nasal sprays may also help.

How to Prevent Strep Throat in Toddlers
Though currently no vaccine is available for preventing strep throat in toddlers, there are various behavior changes that can reduce the likelihood of development of this infection.

• Contact with children having sore and undocumented strep throat should be avoided till they are finished with minimum 48 hours of antibiotics.


• Hands should be washed every time a child comes in contact with items that may harbor the GBAS bacteria such as dishes or utensils.


• Avoid sharing food and drinks with sick kid.

How Is Strep Throat Spread?

How Is Strep Throat Spread?

Strep throat is an infection of the tonsils and/or throat caused by the bacteria streptococcus pyogenes (group A strep), and streptococcal bacteria are highly contagious. If you are infected with it, you may have the symptoms include Sore Throat, fever, and trouble swallowing. Children may also experience stomach pain, vomiting, and Headache. Other signs include white dots on the tonsils, and/or redness in the throat.

How Is Strep Throat Spread?
Group A strep (GAS) throat is more commonly spread directly by sick people, person-to-person.

• When someone infected with GAS coughs, sneezes, or breathes, the strep bacteria are released into the air and are inhaled by others.


• It can also be spread through contact with infected sores or wounds on the skin, and it’s possible to spread these bacteria by eating from the same plate or drinking from the same glass with someone who is infected.


• What’s more, in household environment and close living environment (such as classroom), the risk of being infected is higher, approximately 40.

The bacteria can also be spread by contacting with people without any symptoms, but carry the strep bacteria on their skin or in their throat. However, people who have the strep bacteria and don’t have symptoms are less contagious. Antibiotic is useful for the infected person, and treatment for more than 24 hours usually prevents the spread of the strep bacteria to other people.

How to Prevent It from Spreading

• Wash your hands frequently when spending time at school, and in public places.


• Keep an anti-bacterial or alcohol-based hand sanitizer handy, and use it often.


• Do not share or allow your children to share eating and drinking utensils.


• Never share or allow your children to share personal items such as bath towels, washcloths or hand towels.


• Get plenty of sleep, and encourage your body's natural defenses with a good diet, and regular exercise.


• Sanitize the surfaces of your home such as, doorknobs, counter-tops, and any other hard surfaces that were touched by a contaminated person, with an appropriate antiseptic cleaner.


• Humidify your house and clean humidifiers on a regular basis. Humidity in the air helps keep the mucous membranes moist and resistant to bacteria.


• Discontinue smoking, and avoid inhaling secondhand smoke. Smoking can irritate the throat and could make you more likely to get infected.

Symptoms You'll Have If You're Infected
After knowing ‘how is strep throat spread?’ you should also learn the signs of getting infected.

Strep throat isn’t the worst infection you can develop, but you’ll definitely know the difference between a regular sore throat, and the strep version. Signs and symptoms of strep throat might include:

• Sudden and severe sore throat without other cold symptoms such as coughing, or Sneezing


• Red and inflamed tonsils, sometimes with white spots on them


• Bright red or dark red spots in the back area on the roof of the mouth near the throat


• Pain or trouble with swallowing


• Tender and swollen lymph glands in your neck


• Headache


• Fever


• Body aches


• Skin rash


• Nausea or vomiting

It's possible for people to have many of these signs and symptoms, and not have strep throat. These signs and symptoms could also be a viral infection or some other illness.

How to Address the Discomforts
1. Antibiotics
If you get strep throat, your physician will likely prescribe an oral antibiotic. Antibiotics can reduce the duration and severity of symptoms, avoid any complications, and lower the risk that the infection will spread to others. Usually 24 hours after treatment beginning, people taking an antibiotic will not have a fever, and feel well enough, can return to school or work, because they will no longer be contagious. However, stopping the medication early could lead to recurrences and serious complications, such as kidney inflammation or Rheumatic Fever.

2. Symptom Reliever
To reduce fever and throat pain, try over-the-counter pain relievers from your local pharmacy such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Avoid using aspirin with children and teenagers because aspirin has been linked to Reye's syndrome, a rare but potentially life-threatening condition.

Try gargling with warm salt water to help reduce swelling and purchase some throat lozenges to relieve the discomfort and pain. Drink plenty of fluids, because fluids can help thin secretions and soothe an irritated throat.

When to See a Doctor
Knowing ‘how is strep throat spread?’ is important, it is more vital to realize when to seek medical help as strep throat, though not very dangerous, could lead to more serious complications.

One of the complications is that strep bacteria may spread, causing infection in sinuses, tonsils, skin and blood. Moreover, strep infection may lead to inflammatory illnesses, including inflammation of the kidney (poststreptococcal Glomerulonephritis); Scarlet Fever, a Streptococcal Infection characterized by a prominent rash; rheumatic fever, a serious inflammatory condition that can affect the heart, joints, nervous system and skin.

Call your health care provider if you or your children have any of these signs and symptoms:

• A fever more than 101 F (38.3 C) in children or fever that lasts longer than 2 days


• A sore throat and/or a rash


• A sore throat that lasts longer than 48 hours


• Problems swallowing or breathing


• A sore throat along with tender, swollen lymph glands


• If strep has already been diagnosed, and there is a lack of improvement after taking antibiotics for 2 days

Strep Throat Medicines

Strep Throat Medicines

Strep throat is a contagious bacterial infection of the throat which is caused by the Streptococcus bacterium. Symptoms include Sore Throat, swelling and inflammation of the membranes lining the posterior aspect of the tonsils and throat. Strep throat medicine involves various types of antibiotics and painkillers. The former helps take care of the infection so that complications don't develop; the latter makes it easier to tolerate the infection while it is healing.

The Most Important Medicine—Antibiotics
1. How It Helps
Antibiotics help by killing the bacteria or stopping its growth so that your immune system can help fight off the infection. Without the antibiotics, your immune system could have a hard time fighting off the infection alone and complications can develop.

2. When It Is Needed
You need to take strep throat medicines if:

• You have a positive strep culture or a positive rapid strep test;


• You have symptoms of strep throat, such as a fever, Swollen Lymph Nodes in the neck, spots or a white coating on the tonsils or throat;


• You have suffered from Rheumatic Fever and have been near someone who has strep;


• There are repetitive strep infections in the family.

3. Choose the Best Antibiotics
The main antibiotics for strep throat are listed below:

• Penicillin. This is the most common treatment for strep throat. In liquid or pill form, it needs to be taken three times daily. The penicillin liquid used in children does not taste very good. A penicillin shot can also be used. It may be painful, but one shot takes care of the infection and saves you the trouble of taking pills.


• Amoxicillin. This is another commonly used medication for strep throat. It needs to be taken twice daily. It is important that you take the amoxicillin for the entire ten days of treatment so that the strep throat does not return.


• Cephalosporins. This is a type of antibiotic that has been known to be great for the management of strep throat, especially for those allergic to penicillin. It stops the growth of bacteria so that your immune system can sweep in and kill them all.

Another Useful Medicine—Analgesics
Analgesics include medicationslike acetaminophen or paracetamol, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). They can help to alleviate the pain caused by strep throat. You may also take viscous lidocaine as a topical anesthetic for pain. If you are an adult, you may use aspirin, but it cannot be used in children because of the risk of getting Reye's syndrome. Besides, steroids may reduce the pain but are not usually recommended for strep throat.

Precautions of Taking Medication for Strep Throat
Almost all medications have some mild or severe side effects. You should pay special attention to the following side effects when taking strep throat medicines:

1. Common Side Effects
When taking strep throat medication, you may have side effects like Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and a skin rash. These are usually self-limiting and will go away once you have stopped taking the antibiotics.

2. Call for medical help
Call or visit your doctorif you experience swelling of the throat, tongue, face or lips. You should also seek medical attention if you experience light-headedness, fainting or Hives after taking the strep throat medicine.

Your doctor may be able to change the medication altogether or may choose to lower your dose. You should never quit the medication on your own unless the doctor indicates that it is safe to do so.

Note: If you happen to be pregnant, are nursing, or are trying to get pregnant, you shouldn't take any medicines unless your doctor says it is okay to take them. Some medications can be harmful to the baby and your doctor can help you sort out which medications are safe to take.

Recurring Strep Throat

Recurring Strep Throat

Streptococcus group is a type of bacteria that causes strep throat, or a strep infection of the throat. This is typically thought of as a childhood illness, since it happens much more frequently in kids. Aside from pain or discomfort, people who experiencing recurring strep throat may miss several days at school or work; sometimes, a surgery is needed. Figure out the possible causes of strep throat that recurs and how you can treat it here.

What Is Recurring Strep Throat?
Strep throat that isn't cured after just one round of antibiotics or occurs several times each year can be deemed as recurring strep throat. Someone who develops strep throat again and again can also have a strep throat that recurs.

Experts now know that strep throat that recurs can be due to one of more than one factors. In some cases, you contract bacteria in resistant form or the antibiotic failed for certain reason. It is also possible that you have a weak immune system or you or a family member of you is a strep carrier.

What Causes Recurring Strep Throat?
1. Antibiotic Resistance
Many people are diagnosed with recurring strep throat because the type of strep they contracted is resistant to the antibiotic the doctor prescribed. Or, the antibiotic failsto work due to incorrect dosage or Allergy.

2. Weak Immune System
A large number of those with recurring strep will also have a weak immune system, such as those undergoing chemotherapy, diagnosed with AIDS or HIV, or those on a corticosteroid. With a weak immune system, people may find it hard to fight against the strep bacteria, therefore the strep throat will occur again and again.

3.Carry Strep Throat Bacteria
Other people have strep throat recur because they or someone they contact often carries the bacteria that causes it. Many people have these bacteria in their throat yet not showing the symptoms and they are known as carriers.

How to Deal With Recurring Strep Throat
1. Wait to Grow Out Naturally
There have been numerous observational studies showing that children naturally experience a decrease in strep throat infections over the course of time. In fact, without severe symptoms, this is so common that tonsillectomies are rarely recommended for just a throat infection.

2. Turn to Antibiotics
Antibiotics for strep throat not only can help to prevent strep throat in healthy people, but also works to shorten the duration of the disease by around 16 hours.In some cases, however, antibiotics won't make sense since they kill beneficial bacteria as well as those that cause strep, increasing the risk of fungal or viral infections.

3. Take the Right Antibiotics
There are many different antibiotics used to treat recurring strep throat. It is quite essential to take the right antibiotics.

• Penicillin and Amoxicillin. Penicillincan be administered via injection if the patient is a young child and suffering from vomiting and hard swallowing. Amoxicillin, similar to penicillin, is more preferred for giving to kids with better taste in the form of a chewable tablet.


• Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (Augmentin) has been evaluated to treat strep throat with superior or equivalent results in comparison to penicillin.


• Acute and recurrent strep throat can be treated with rifampin or clindamycin combined with amoxicillin, penicillin or cephalosporin. Yet, remember that regular usage of clindamycin, although rare, can cause Diarrhea.


• Rifampin should always be used with another antibiotic, since strep quickly becomes resistant to it when used alone. As for side effects, rifampin can leads to orange discoloration of tears and urine.


• Oral cephalosporin, including Keflex, ceftin, Cedax,is growing in popularity for treating recurrent strep throat and the failure rate can be less than 5%. They are, however, more expensive.

4. Self-Care Tips
If your child has recurring strep throat, there are some simple things you should do to support your kid.

• Always make sure that you do have a strep throat. Don't take antibiotics if your doctor simply says it looks bad but doesn't test for strep throat using a swab.


• Take the entire dose of medication, even if the symptoms are gone. Make a chart or set an alarm if you have to.


• Change your child's toothbrush when your child is halfway done with their course of antibiotics. An alternative is to put the toothbrush in the dishwasher.


• Practice routine hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently.


• Be patient and wait for him to get better.

5. Tonsillectomy
When Is aTonsillectomy Needed?

A doctor will typically only suggest a tonsillectomy if people experience 6 or more severe cases of strep throat within one year. The procedure will reduce the frequency with which the patient experiences Sore Throats as well as strep throats in particular for two or three years following surgery.Severe cases will need to have at least one of the following factors:a positive strep throat test; white spots along the tonsils; tender, enlarged lymph nodes of the neck; an oral temperature of 101 Fahrenheit (38 Celsius) or higher.

Possible Risks

The expected risks of a tonsillectomy include some bleeding, which is common, particularly when the healed scab on top of the cut falls off.

It is less common or rare to experience more serious bleeding, breathing problems related to the surgery, or anesthetic complications.

Is Strep Throat Contagious?

Is Strep Throat Contagious?

Strep throat can be a painful, annoying problem. It is a throat infection caused by bacteria, and it can make your throat feel as though it is on fire. Though anyone can get it, strep throat is most common among those between the ages of five and fifteen. Is strep throat contagious? Very much so – and it can spread quickly, especially in places like schools or churches. It is very important to get strep throat treated promptly, as serious cases can result in kidney inflammation, Rheumatic fever and other secondary conditions.

Is Strep Throat Contagious?
Unfortunately, yes – strep throat is highly contagious. That's because the bacteria that causes it can be easily spread through airborne droplets. A simple sneeze or cough is enough to send those droplets flying, and they can infect anyone who comes into contact with them. Therefore, those who are in close quarters, such as a classroom, daycare, college dorm or the like, will probably get strep throat if someone else in the area has it.

In fact, experts say that the risk of contracting strep throat in your own home is about 40%. Some studies have shown that it can be transmitted via food, though that is much less common. In some cases, even family pets have been shown to spread the bacteria to other family members.

How Long Will Strep Throat Be Contagious?
Now that you know the answer to “Is strep throat contagious?” another question comes about:"How long it can be spread from one person to another?" Strep throat is “silent” during the first two to five days; this means that you can have the bacteria but not yet have the symptoms. During that time, you can spread the bacteria to others already. Once you have the symptoms, you are even more contagious and should take precautions to protect others. Most experts believe that after 24 hours of a strong antibiotic, the bacteria is no longer contagious – but keep taking precautions, just in case.

How to Diagnose Strep Throat
In many cases, a doctor can simply look at your throat and tell you whether you have strep throat. But to be absolutely sure, there are two methods of determining it: A throat culture and a rapid antigen test.

• ŸThe throat culture is simply a swab rubbed over the back of the throat and then tested for the bacteria.


• ŸThe rapid antigen test is a faster test on the swab. It will look for the antigens in the throat to give a quick answer about whether you have strep throat or not. But sometimes, it can miss some infections.

If anyone turns to be positive, antibiotics will be started right away.

What to Do If Infected with Strep Throat
There are several things you can do if you are diagnosed with strep throat. There are just a few of the options that might make you feel better:

1. OTC Drugs
Over the counter drugs can be used to make you feel better while the infection runs its course. These include ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin and other basic painkillers. Be warned, however, never give aspirin to children, as it can result in a serious condition known as Reye's Syndrome.

2. Antibiotics
This is the most common and most effective treatment for strep throat. Drugs in the penicillin family are the most common treatments, followed by drugs in the macrolide family. Those who are prescribed antibiotics should always take the full dose, so they can be assured of getting better. Never stop an antibiotic simply because the worst of the symptoms have gone away.

3. Home Remedies
If wanting to make you feel better at home, try drinking cool water or gargling with warm saltwater mixture. You can also turn to soothing remedies, such as ice cream or popsicles. Warm tea with honey is also helpful (but never give honey to a child under one year of age). Finally, simple throat lozenges and cough drops can help ease the hurt.

Avoid the Spreading of Strep Throat
Is strep throat contagious? Yes, very much so. So how do you keep the bacteria away from others if you have infected with it? Stay at home if you are been diagnosed for at least 24 hours to allow the antibiotic time to kill the bacteria. Wash all your plates and eating utensils very well, and don't share food, drinks, towels, or anything similar with others. Keep strep to yourself, wash your hands often, and never sneeze or cough without a napkin or cloth covering your face.

What Does Strep Throat Look Like?

What Does Strep Throat Look Like?

Strep throat is the outcome of an infection caused by streptococcus bacteria. This bacterial infection makes your throat extremely inflamed and painful. It is usually more common in children between 5 and 15 years of age, but anyone can develop this infection. The bacteria transmit to others through Sneezing and coughing. Sharing utensils with someone who is infected will also spread the strep bacteria. What does strep throat look like? Many people explain it differently, but it most often looks like razor blades in your throat. Keep reading to learn more about symptoms and exhibitions of strep throat and how to tell if you have a viral infection or bacterial infection.

What Does Strep Throat Look Like?
You will experience certain symptoms when you have strep throat. The most common symptoms are pain while swallowing, red and Swollen Tonsils which are sometimes covered by streaks of pus or white patches, Swollen Lymph Nodes in your neck, and tiny red spots at the back of the roof of your mouth. You may also have fever coupled with Headache. Sometimes a rash may also appear with nausea and vomiting in younger children.

It is important to understand that viral infections can also cause these symptoms, so your doctor will test specifically for strep throat for a correct diagnosis. Here is a bit more to answer your question, "What does strep throat look like?"

• If you notice a prickly coating of tiny red dots on your tongue, the chances are you have strep throat. You will have the same red dots toward the back of your mouth. These dots look more like the outside of a strawberry. You may even develop red spots on the roof of the mouth at the back of your throat.


• Notice the severity of your throat pain. It is more likely to be strep throat if your experience severe pain that comes suddenly. If you feel better after taking cold liquid or food, the chances are you do not have strep throat because the soreness usually does not go away without prescription medication.


• Even if your throat is not that sore but you feel pain when you swallow something, this could be a sign of strep throat.


• You are more likely to have strep throat if you have bad breath, which is caused by streptococcus bacteria. The smell may be quite like metal or hospitals, but some people describe it as rotten meat.


• Check the lymph nodes in your neck. If they are swollen, the chances are you have strep throat. Simply use your fingertips to feel area in front of your ear. Now, move your fingertips in a circular motion to notice any tenderness and swelling. You will also have swollen lymph nodes under your jaw. Also, use your fingertips to notice any swelling around the collarbone. Noticeable swelling in these areas usually mean you have strep throat.


• If your tonsils are inflamed, this is another sign that you have strep throat. Your tonsils are more like to look bright red. They will enlarge and have patches of white – these patches can sometimes be yellow instead of white. Some people even notice streaks of white pus on their tonsils.


• Look for rough rashes which are like sandpaper. They are usually on your chest and neck.

Paying attention to these points will answer your question, "What does strep throat look like?" However, you may also pay attention to certain symptoms that you usually have only when you have colds. For instance, you do not usually experience nasal symptoms, such as a runny nose, cough, itchy eyes, or stuffy nose when you have strep throat. Similarly, you may not experience Diarrhea if you have strep throat.

Test to Diagnose Strep Throat
Your healthcare provider will consider your symptoms and examine your throat to confirm if you have strep throat. They may also ask for a strep test that involves swabbing the throat to see if you have bacterial infection. If the test is positive, you will have to take antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria from your system.

How to Treat Strep Throat
Taking antibiotics will help decrease the time it takes for you to recover fully. These antibiotics will also reduce your symptoms, prevent the spread of infection, and keep you from dealing with other serious complications, such as Sinus Infections, tonsil infections, and acute Rheumatic fever.

You usually notice improvement in your symptoms within 48 hours of starting antibiotics. Be sure to talk to your doctor if symptoms do not improve after a couple of days. You need take plenty of rest while taking antibiotics and stay home from school, work, or daycare for at least a day to avoid spreading the infection to others.

It is important to bear in mind that you should complete the course even if you start feeling better after a few days. Stop taking your antibiotics only when your doctor tells you to. If you stop and start again without talking to your doctor, this may make bacteria resistant to antibiotic treatment.

While taking antibiotics, you can also try some natural remedies to accelerate recovery. You need to increase the humidity level in your home by installing a humidifier. Drink plenty of fluids and teas that may contain the herb licorice. This will soothe your irritated throat. Warm tea with honey is especially beneficial for irritated throat.

Prevention
To avoid dealing with all these issues and to keep yourself from asking, "What does strep throat look like?" you should take steps to avoid getting infected. Be sure to wash your hands often and do not share eating utensils like cups or forks with others. Understand that there is no vaccine to prevent this infection, so you need to take precautionary measures to avoid becoming infected.

Strep Throat Complications

Strep Throat Complications

Caused by bacterial infections, strep throat refers to the inflammation and swelling of the throat, tonsils, and lymph nodes. While Sore Throats are caused by viral infections, strep throat develops due to bacterial infections of the streptococcus bacterium. If left untreated, you may have to deal with complications varying from mild to serious.

Strep Throat Complications
Group A streptococcus (GAS) bacteria are responsible for causing strep throat. GAS can cause mild illnesses such as strep throat – the bacteria may also cause illnesses with life-threatening consequences, such as streptococcal toxic shock syndrome or necrotizing fasciitis.

Possible Complications Related to the Infection
While there are fewer chances of experiencing strep throat complication, things can go wrong at times. Some complications occur due to the infection itself, but sometimes, you experience complications when your immune system responds erratically to the condition. Here are some strep throat complications caused by the infection:

• Sinusitis: The hollow spaces in your skull around the nose and eyes are called the sinuses. You may experience severe pain with some pressure on your face and head when the sinuses become infected. The condition usually resolves on its own, but you may have to take antibiotics in some cases.


• Middle Ear infections (Otitis media): Both viruses and bacteria can cause inner ear infections. These bacteria travel from your throat to the inner ear through Eustachian tube. In this case, the fluid that normally drains into your throat starts going up into the ear and accumulates against the eardrum.


• Infections of the pharynx: Also called retropharyngeal Abscesses, they are one of many strep throat complications caused due to the collection of pus in the back of your throat. It is important to drain it first and then take antibiotics for proper treatment.


• Toxic shock syndrome: While it is quite rare, the condition may have life-threatening consequences. It develops suddenly after you become infected with streptococcus pyogenes. It affects different organ systems in your body, including the kidneys, lungs, and liver. The most common symptoms of TSS including vomiting, high fever, and Diarrhea – you may also develop a rash like sunburn with low Blood Pressure, dizziness, and confusion. You need immediate medical attention because toxic shock syndrome progresses fast.


• Peritonsillar abscesses: The condition is characterized by a collection of pus in tissues around your tonsils. It is quite rare, but may be one of many strep throat complications. It causes severe pain and makes it difficult to swallow food. Your doctor will make a diagnosis with the help of a needle aspiration, which is a procedure that involves using a needle to drain the abscess. When a needle aspiration does not work, you may have to opt for a minor surgical procedure that involves making a small incision in the abscess to drain it. You will also need to complete a course of antibiotics.

Possible Complications Related to the Body's Immune Response
Infection itself can cause several issues, but your body's immune system may react to the infection and produce undesirable symptoms and issues. In serious cases, your immune system may start attacking healthy tissues when it finds untreated strep infections in the body. When this happens, you find yourself dealing with a number of serious issues:

• Acute Rheumatic fever: It is one of the most serious complications of strep throat. In this, your immune system releases antibodies that mistakenly attack your skin, joints, and the heart. This causes damage to the heart valves that often results in congestive heart failure. The availability of antibiotics has made this condition less common in the United States, but it still affects people to some extent. Symptoms associated with rheumatic fever usually appear in 2-4 weeks after the onset of strep throat.


• Scarlet Fever: It may affect people with strep throat and causes symptoms such as sore throat, fever, and a characteristic red rash. The rash feels quite like sandpaper and usually affects children under the age of 18. There are antibiotics available for its treatment.


• Inflammation of the kidneys: Also called Glomerulonephritis, it develops when your immune system produces antibodies to the microscopic filters of your kidneys. The condition usually affects children from 7 to 10 years of age. Several therapies are now available to help children recover and most of the time, there are no long-term effects or kidney damage associated with glomerulonephritis.


• Pediatric autoimmune neuro disorders associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS): Many experts are still trying to identify the links between a GAS infection and the development of obsessive compulsive behavior in people, especially in children. It is also believed that there is a connection between a GAS infection in children and tic disorder. Researchers are also trying to discover if antibiotic therapy proves beneficial in the treatment of this disorder.

When to See a Doctor
It is important to see a doctor if you experience strep throat complications. You should go talk to your doctor or take your child to a doctor if you notice the following signs and symptoms:

• A sore throat with Swollen Lymph Nodes


• A sore throat that does not improve in 48 hours


• A fever higher than 101F with no improvement in 48 hours


• A sore throat with a red rash


• Difficulty swallowing or problems breathing


• No improvement for 24-48 hours after taking antibiotics for strep

You should also talk to your doctor if you or your child has a fever with swelling in the joints. Shortness of breath should not be ignored either. If a strep infection lasts longer than three weeks, it may indicate rheumatic fever.

Strep Throat

Strep Throat






At some point of our life each one of us would have developed strep throat. The throat becomes scratchy and sore due to bacterial infection. Strep throat infection is common in young children and it is to be treated with antibiotics to prevent any complications. It can cause throat pain, Sore Throat and inflammation of throat and tonsils. If left untreated for long time, strep throat can cause Scarlet Fever and inflammation of kidneys.

Symptoms :

Some of the common signs of strep throat are sore throat, difficulty in swallowing, Swollen Tonsils, and red colored throat with white patches on it, Swollen Lymph Nodes and mild fever. It can cause tiny spots on the soft palate. For some people it can cause Headache and Skin Rashes. Young children may get dehydrated by not drinking anything due to swollen throat.

If your child has developed a sore throat with swollen lymph nodes or if he has fever with difficulty in swallowing it can be a sign of strep throat. The symptoms of sore throat develop suddenly but the infection would be severe causing pain and inflammation. Strep throat is contagious and hence your child can spread the disease when he coughs or sneezes. Bacteria exists in the tiny droplets of air particles which would be breathed by others causing infection.

Causes :

Strep throat is caused by bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes. Often bacteria enter into the body of others by inhaling air particles that contain strep bacteria or by sharing food particles of infected person. It can also be passed on to other people when they touch the infected objects and accidentally rub their nose or eyes.

Who are at risk?

Strep throat infection can occur at any age but is common in young age people. This infection is more prevalent during fall or early spring. In rare cases strep throat can cause complications in the tonsils and ears and also inflammatory reactions like scarlet and rheumatic fever.

Diagnosis :

Your doctor would look for the above symptoms after physical examination. He would check the lymph nodes of the neck portion for swelling. He would also examine the tongue and tonsils for any inflammation. To confirm the diagnosis he would do a throat culture by rubbing a cotton swab gently at the back of the throat and testing it on the lab. It would take two days for this culture test. In severe cases, he would perform rapid antigen test for detecting bacteria in the swab to start the treatment immediately.

Treatment :

Since strep throat is caused by bacteria antibiotics are effective in controlling the symptoms. Oral pills like penicillin or amoxicillin of suitable dosage are given for strep throat. For getting immediate relief from throat pain the person can take ibuprofen or Tylenol. In severe infection he would prescribe cephalexin or azithromycin or other suitable antibiotics according to the intensity of symptoms.

Once the child has started taking antibiotics the risk of spreading the infection to others reduces. Within two days the child would feel better and he could eat/drink food. It is necessary to complete the course of antibiotics since stopping them in the middle can worsen the situation causing more severe infection.

Home Remedies :

Children may feel tired due to throat pain and fever and may refuse to eat or drink anything. Do not send them to school if they have such symptoms. You can give them ibuprofen to get quick relief from body pain and sore throat. Give them plenty of rest. Encourage them to drink lots of liquids to prevent dehydration. You can give lozenges that clear the sore throat.

Avoid eating hot and spicy foods when you have a sore throat. Eat soft foods like cooked cereals, soups, soft fruits and plenty of yogurts. Don’t take acidic fruits or food items which can worsen the sore throat. Gargling with salt water several times a day can give good relief from swelling and throat pain. Dryness can increase the problem hence you can use a humidifier to retain moisture. The mucus membranes can be kept moist using nasal sprays.

Pictures of Strep Throat :

Images, Pics, Pictures and Photos of Strep Throat

Prevention :

Children at school often work in groups which increase the chance of spreading the infection. So it is the duty of the parents to retain them at home when they have fever or throat infection. Instruct the children to wash their hands thoroughly before eating food. It is a good practice to cover the mouth with soft cloth while coughing or sneezing.