Strep throat is an infection caused by bacteria. It is called "strep" because the bacteria that causes the infection is called streptococcus.
Strep Throat
What is strep throat?
What are the symptoms of strep throat?
Adults who have strep throat may have the following symptoms:
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Swollen neck glands
- Headache
Child who have strep throat may have the following symptoms:
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Red rash with small spots that is worse under the arms and in skin creases
- Swollen neck glands
How is strep throat treated?
Your doctor will give you or your child an antibiotic. Antibiotics kill bacteria, which helps ease the symptoms of strep throat and helps it go away a little faster. It can also prevent a few rare but serious conditions that people who have strep throat might develop, such as rheumatic fever or tonsillitis. It is important to take all of the medicine your doctor gives you.
Should all sore throats be treated with antibiotics?
No. Not every sore throat is strep throat. Bacteria only cause about 5% to 10% of sore throats. The rest are caused by viruses or other problems, which antibiotics will not help. Your doctor can do a test to make sure it is strep throat.
What tests can tell I have strep throat?
Your doctor may use a test called the rapid strep test. For this test, the doctor uses a long cotton swab to take some material from the back of your throat. The results of this test can be ready in about 15 minutes.
Your doctor may also do a culture of the throat material. A sample of the throat material is sent to a laboratory. This test is called a throat culture. It can take up to 2 days to learn the results of a strep culture.
The rapid strep test and the culture can tell your doctor if you have strep throat. If something else is causing your sore throat, these tests do not tell what it is.
Your doctor may also do a culture of the throat material. A sample of the throat material is sent to a laboratory. This test is called a throat culture. It can take up to 2 days to learn the results of a strep culture.
The rapid strep test and the culture can tell your doctor if you have strep throat. If something else is causing your sore throat, these tests do not tell what it is.
Can other people catch my strep throat?
Yes. You can give the infection to other people until you have been treated with an antibiotic for 1 to 3 days. Children who have strep throat should not go back to school or day care until their fever has gone away and they have taken an antibiotic for at least 24 hours.
What can make my sore throat feel better?
Here are some things that might help you feel better:
- Take ibuprofen (some brand names: Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (one brand name: Tylenol) to relieve pain. Children should not take aspirin. Aspirin can cause a serious illness called Reyes syndrome when it is given to children under 18 years of age.
- Gargle with warm salt water (1/4 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup [8 ounces] of warm water).
- Adults and older children can suck on throat lozenges, hard candy, pieces of ice or popsicles.
- Eat soft foods (such as yogurt and applesauce), drink cool drinks and warm liquids (such as broths, soups and tea).
- Get plenty of rest. Sleep helps your body fight infection.
- Drink plenty of water. This helps keep your throat lubricated and helps prevent dehydration.
- Avoid acidic or spicy foods and drinks (such as orange juice and peppers).
Can people get strep throat from their pets?
This could happen, but it is very rare.
Source
Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff.
Management of Group A Beta-Hemolytic Streptococcal Pharyngitis by CS Hayes, MD, MHA; H Williamson, Jr, MD, MSPH (American Family Physician April 15, 2001, http://www.aafp.org/afp/20010415/1557.html)
Reviewed/Updated: 04/06
Created: 09/00