Strep Throat Specialist

What is strep throat?

Strep throat, or streptococcal pharyngitis, is a bacterial infection that causes irritation in your throat. It can be difficult to tell the difference between a strep throat infection and a regular sore or scratchy throat.

True strep throat infections are usually accompanied by pain when swallowing, swollen lymph nodes, bad breath, tonsillar exudate, fever, chills, and fatigue.

What causes strep throat?

Strep throat is caused by group A streptococcus bacteria. The bacteria are highly contagious and are easily spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or shares his or her food.

Bacteria can also hitch a ride into your body when you handle a surface on which the bacteria are present, such as a doorknob or light switch. This is why it’s important to wash your hands and refrain from touching your face throughout the day.

The strep bacteria tend to be most active during fall and early spring, though it’s still possible to get a strep throat infection at other times throughout the year.

What are the symptoms of strep throat?

If you’re suffering from strep throat, throat pain is the most common symptom. This soreness usually comes on suddenly and can cause red spots near the back of your throat and roof of your mouth. Other symptoms might include:

• Swollen tonsils
• Tonsillar exudate
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Fever
• Chills
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headaches or body aches
• Bad breath

Many of these symptoms are identical to other types of sore throats, such as those caused by a viral infection. It’s important to receive an official diagnosis to understand if you actually have strep throat.

How is strep throat treated?

If Dr. Obi-Ofodile confirms you’re suffering from a sore throat caused by strep, he’ll prescribe a course of antibiotics to fight the infection. Antibiotics work quickly to clear up strep throat, though they have no effect on viral infections.

It’s important that you finish the full course of antibiotics once started. If you do not, you will likely get sick again.

While you’re taking your antibiotics, Dr. Obi-Ofodile might recommend some simple home remedies to ease your symptoms:

Eating certain foods

You should avoid eating harder foods and stick to those that are easy to swallow. Foods such as soup, oatmeal, or mashed potatoes are ideal. Cold foods such as sherbet or ice cream might also help.

Drink water

Keeping your throat wet and lubricated makes it easier to swallow.

Gargle with salt water

Gargling a small amount of warm salt water throughout the day can help ease your pain.

Rest

Like any other illness, plenty of rest helps you recover faster.

If you’re suffering from strep throat, stop by Rapid Response Urgent Care in Pearland, Texas, for fast care that doesn’t break your bank.