What is strep throat?
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that causes a sore and scratchy throat. If left untreated, strep throat can lead to complications, such as rheumatic fever or kidney inflammation.
Strep throat is more common in children, but people of all ages can be affected. If you have bothersome signs or symptoms of strep throat, visit Las Vegas Family Medicine for an evaluation.
What are the symptoms of strep throat?
The symptoms of strep throat include:
- Throat pain that typically shows up quickly
- Painful swallowing
- Red and swollen tonsils that might have streaks of pus or white patches
- Vomiting or nausea
- Tender and swollen lymph nodes in your neck
- Fever
- Headache
- Rash
- Body aches
You might also notice tiny red spots on the back of the roof of your mouth.
What causes strep throat?
Strep throat is caused by a bacterium called Streptococcus pyogenes or group A streptococcus. This type of bacteria is highly contagious and can spread through airborne droplets if an infected person sneezes or coughs or through shared drinks or food.
You can also contract the bacteria from a doorknob or another surface and transfer them to your mouth, eyes, or nose.
In some cases, the strep bacteria can spread to the tonsils, sinuses, skin, blood, and middle ear.
How is strep throat treated?
After diagnosing strep throat with a physical exam and any necessary testing, such as a rapid antigen test or a throat culture to swab a sample of the bacteria, Dr. Owen might recommend medications to relieve your symptoms and prevent complications.
Oral antibiotics can often treat strep throat, and in most cases, you or your child won’t be contagious in about 24 hours after beginning treatment. Dr. Owen might also suggest other medications, such as pain relievers, and healthy lifestyle changes such as nutrition and stress management to boost your health.
To prevent a strep infection, it’s helpful to clean your hands and cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Teach your children to do the same. You can also avoid sharing personal items like drinking glasses and eating utensils. Wash your dishes in hot, soapy water or in a dishwasher.
If you have questions or concerns about strep throat, call Las Vegas Family Medicine or use the online scheduler.
