A sore throat doesn't necessarily mean you have strep throat.Most sore throats are caused by the common cold and will go away on their own.Strep throat is an infectious disease that requires treatment with antibiotics.Learning to evaluate the symptoms of strep throat will help you get the medical attention you need to recover.
Step 1: Understand what a sore throat is.
Strep throat is caused by the group A streptococcus.Although the hallmark symptom of strep throat is a sore throat, not all sore throats are caused by an infectious disease.Most sore throats are caused by common viruses and do not need treatment.If you have strep throat treatment, it's important to know that it can cause serious consequences, such as spreading of infections to blood, skin and other organs, and rheumatic fever, which can affect your heart and joints.The most common age group affected is five to 15 years old.
Step 2: Symptoms of strep throat can be seen.
It's important to seek medical attention if you have an illness that can be treated quickly.If you have symptoms of strep throat, you may not actually have it.It is important to remember that there is no cough with strep throat.A sore throat, stomach ache, nausea, lack of energy, and headaches are some of the symptoms of strep throat.
Step 3: Follow your doctor's recommendations for testing and treatment.
Your doctor may recommend a throat test for you based on your symptoms.This is the only way to confirm a diagnosis of strep throat.You can't diagnose it by looking at it.The test is a rapid test.This test can detect strep in a few minutes.It works by looking for antigens in the throat.This is fast, but it may not always be correct.Even if you have strep throat, the test will come back negative.If your doctor thinks that you have strep throat, he or she may culture the test to see if the streptococcusbacteria grows on the swab in the next two days.A course of antibiotics will be prescribed by your doctor if your culture comes back positive.It's possible that you have a cold, tonsillitis, or mononucleosis if your doctor doesn't diagnose you with strep throat.
Step 4: Start taking antibiotics.
If your doctor discovers that you have the streptococcus bacteria, you will need to take antibiotics.Your doctor may want you to take antibiotics for longer than 10 days.penicillin or ampicillin are the most common antibiotics prescribed.It is possible for your doctor to prescribe a different antibiotic if you are allergic.Don't forget to take the whole course of antibiotics even if you feel better.If you don't take the whole course, you can increase your chances of a recurrent and more serious infection, as the initial antibiotics may kill the weakbacteria, and the strongbacteria may survive and become resistant to the antibiotics taken.Don't skip doses.Regular antibiotics doses make sure it works.Don't drink while taking antibiotics.While alcohol won't interfere with most antibiotics, it can intensify the side-effects and give you a stomach upset.Some cough syrups and mouthwashes have alcohol in them.Take it as directed.Discuss how to take the antibiotic with your pharmacist.It may work better with or without food.Penicillin V can be taken with or without food.Antibiotics can be taken with a glass of water.There are allergic reactions to antibiotics such as rash, swelling of the mouth, difficulty breathing, and swallowing.If you experience a reaction, talk to your doctor and he can prescribe a different antibiotic.A life threatening reaction called anaphylaxis can occur if you experience difficulty breathing.Look for side effects.Most antibiotics have side effects.There may be side effects to the antibiotic you are taking.
Step 5: Take an OTC pain medication.
It will help the pain associated with the sore throat and other symptoms.Take the pain medication with food.
Step 6: Twice a day, Gargle with saltwater.
This will help with the symptoms of strep throat.A tall glass of warm water is needed.gargle for 30 seconds after taking the saltwater in the back of your mouth.The back of your throat is coated with salt water.Drink a lot of fluids.Drinking warm, throat-soothing tonics such as lemon tea or tea with honey can help alleviate the symptoms of strep throat.Water and fluids help you to heal more efficiently.
Step 7: A humidifier is used.
The air is moist through the humidifier.This makes air easier to breathe.If you don't have a humidifier, you can make one yourself by boiling a pot of water and letting it steam in a room you're in.Don't use it too much if you are using a humidifier.It's good to have a little bit of water in the air.Too much water isn't.It's possible that too much water can create perfect conditions for mold and fungus.
Step 8: A lozenge is what you should take.
lozenges and sprays can be purchased over the counter at the pharmacy.Local anesthetics or antiseptics can be found in these.
Step 9: If you still have symptoms, contact your doctor.
If your symptoms don't improve within a few days or if they get worse, you should contact your doctor.This could be a sign that your antibiotic isn't working.If you experience any side effects, contact your doctor.
Step 10: For the first 24 to 48 hours, stay at home.
If you start taking antibiotics, you will need to stay home for up to 48 hours to avoid spreading the disease.A person is infectious for 48 hours after starting antibiotics.Avoid contact with other people during this time.
Step 11: Get a new toothbrush.
After the first few days of antibiotics, do this.Once the antibiotics are done, your toothbrush could become a carrier and re-inspire you.
Step 12: Don't share personal items with anyone.
It's a good idea to avoid contact with people with strep throat if you can.Don't share glasses or utensils with a family member who has strep throat.
Step 13: You should wash your hands.
All kinds of infections can be prevented with proper hand washing.The CDC recommends that you wet your hands with clean, running water, turn off the tap, and apply soap.Rub your hands together with soap.You should lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers and under your nails.You need to scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.Did you need a timer?The "Happy Birthday" song ends twice.It's a good idea to rinse your hands under the water.Use a clean towel to dry your hands.