Strep throat is a common bacterial infection that can cause a sore, itchy throat. The bacteria that cause strep throat are highly contagious and can be easily spread through coughing or sneezing. Symptoms of strep throat include a sore throat, fever, headache, and stomach pain. Strep throat is treated with antibiotics.

What Are The Symptoms Of Strep Throat?

Most people with strep throat have a sudden, severe sore throat with pain that begins quickly. Other symptoms can include:

• Fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
• Headache
• Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus
• Tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth (known as petechiae)
• Swollen, tender lymph nodes in the neck
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea or vomiting
• abdominal pain
• Rash
• Fatigue

How Is Strep Throat Diagnosed?

A strep throat diagnosis usually starts with a visit to your doctor. They will ask about your symptoms and do a physical examination. They may also order a rapid strep test or a throat culture. A rapid strep test can give results in about 15 minutes. It involves swabbing the back of the throat and testing the sample for strep bacteria. If the test is positive, you will usually start treatment right away. A throat culture takes longer to get results, but it is more accurate. This test also involves swabbing the back of the throat. The sample is then sent to a lab where it is cultured on a plate. It takes about 48 hours to get results. If the culture is positive, you will usually start treatment right away.

If your doctor from urgent care Jerome Park, Bronx suspects you have strep throat, they will likely prescribe an antibiotic. The most common antibiotic used to treat strep throat is penicillin. If you are allergic to penicillin, your doctor may prescribe another antibiotic. You will usually start to feel better within a few days of starting antibiotics. It is important to finish the entire course of antibiotics, even if you are feeling better. This will help to prevent the strep bacteria from becoming resistant to the antibiotic.

How Is Strep Throat Treated?

Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils. It's a common illness in children, but can also affect adults. Strep throat can cause severe pain and make it difficult to swallow. The good news is that strep throat is treatable with antibiotics. However, it's important to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. This is because strep throat can sometimes be confused with other sore throat conditions, such as viral infections. If you have strep throat, your doctor will likely prescribe an oral antibiotic. Common choices include penicillin and amoxicillin. In addition to antibiotics, there are a few things you can do at home to help ease your symptoms:

• Get plenty of rest
• Drink lots of fluids
• Gargle with salt water
• Eat soft, bland foods
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen

If your symptoms are severe, your doctor may also recommend additional treatments, such as:

• Antibiotic ointment or drops for your throat
• Oral pain relievers
• Throat sprays or lozenges
• Corticosteroid medication

With proper treatment at urgent care Jerome Park, Bronx, most people with strep throat start to feel better within a few days. However, it's important to finish the entire course of antibiotics to prevent the infection from coming back.

Conclusion

If strep throat is not treated, it can lead to serious complications, such as kidney inflammation or rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever can damage the heart, joints, and nervous system. Strep throat is a common infection, but it can be serious. If you think you might have strep throat, see your doctor right away.