Understanding strep throat Show
Strep throat is an infection of your throat and tonsils, the two small tissue masses in the back of your throat. The infection can cause symptoms such as sore throat and swollen glands. It can also cause fever, loss of appetite, and white spots on your tonsils. Strep throat is caused by bacteria, so it’s treated with an antibiotic. Treatment with an antibiotic can shorten the amount of time you have strep throat symptoms and decrease the spread of infection to other people. Antibiotics can also prevent strep throat from turning into a more serious illness, such as rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever is a disease that can damage your heart valves. Z-Pack is a form of the brand-name drug Zithromax, which contains the antibiotic azithromycin. Azithromycin is an antibiotic that can treat strep throat, though it’s not a common choice for this infection. Azithromycin is used to treat many different kinds of bacterial infections, including bronchitis and pneumonia. However, it’s not typically the first choice for treating strep throat. The antibiotics amoxicillin or penicillin are most often used for this condition. That said, azithromycin or Z-Pack may be used to treat strep throat in certain cases. For instance, your doctor may prescribe it if you’re allergic to penicillin, amoxicillin, or other antibiotics that are used more often to treat strep throat. SPREADING STREP THROAT If your doctor thinks azithromycin is a good choice for you, they may prescribe a generic version of azithromycin or a Z-Pack. Each Z-Pack contains six 250-milligram (mg) tablets of Zithromax. You would take two tablets on the first day, followed by one tablet daily for four days. A Z-Pack typically takes at least five days to fully work, but it can start to relieve your sore throat and other symptoms on the first day you take it. If your doctor prescribes a generic version of azithromycin, your treatment may only last three days. Be sure to take your Z-Pack or generic azithromycin exactly as your doctor prescribes. This is true even if you feel better before you’ve taken the full course of treatment. If you stop taking an antibiotic early, it could make the infection come back or make future infections more difficult to treat. If you have strep throat, your doctor will prescribe the antibiotic they think is most appropriate for you. In most cases, this would be penicillin or amoxicillin. However, some people are prescribed a Z-Pack or generic azithromycin. If you have further questions about either medication, be sure to ask your doctor. Your questions might include:
While uncomfortable, a sore throat on its own is not always cause for alarm and can often be treated with over-the-counter and home remedies. But when accompanied by other symptoms, a scratchy, painful throat may be a sign of an infection. If it’s strep throat, antibiotics can help, but if it’s a viral infection, antibiotic treatment not only doesn’t work, it could cause unnecessary side effects. Luckily, doctors can easily test for strep throat and recommend the appropriate treatment to help you feel better quickly. In this article, I’ll cover the causes, symptoms, and risks of strep throat, as well as how healthcare providers diagnose the infection. Then I’ll explain which antibiotics work to treat strep throat, how to prevent the infection, and when to see a doctor about your sore throat. Think you may have strep throat? Chat with a doctor today for just $35 Chat Now Strep Throat BasicsStrep throat (also known as streptococcal pharyngitis) is a bacterial infection that can cause a painful sore throat and high fever. Unlike sore throat caused by allergies or a virus, a sore throat caused by strep throat comes on quickly and is often accompanied by fever, swollen tonsils, and enlarged lymph nodes. People with strep rarely have a cough, runny nose, mouth sores, or hoarseness; instead, those are signs of a viral illness. Though anyone can get strep throat, it’s most common in children between the ages of 5-15. It’s also most commonly spread in late autumn and early spring, though it is possible to get it year-round. CausesMost sore throats are caused by viruses, but strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by bacteria called A Streptococcus (or group A strep). Group A strep is contagious and can spread easily between people through close contact or touching contaminated items or surfaces. SymptomsSymptoms of strep throat usually appear 2-5 days after being in close contact with an infected individual or the bacteria itself. Most cases are mild, but in some instances, strep throat can be very painful. The most common symptoms of strep throat are:
Keep in mind, a sore throat accompanied by cough or congestion is usually a sign of a viral infection rather than strep throat. RisksIf you or your child are experiencing any symptoms of strep throat, it’s important to speak to your provider as soon as possible so that you can start treatment and prevent complications. If left untreated, strep throat can pose some serious risks, including:
DiagnosisDiagnosing strep throat often requires an in-person visit with your doctor. After a physical exam, your provider may choose to perform a rapid antigen test to check for the presence of group A strep bacteria. During this test, they gently swipe your throat with a swab to collect a sample to test. The results come back quickly: Most providers are able to confirm a diagnosis and prescribe antibiotic treatment in the same visit. If your rapid strep test is negative, your doctor may perform a more sensitive throat culture to be completely sure you don’t have strep throat. For a throat culture, they swab your tonsils and the back of your throat. These test results often take longer, sometimes up to two days, to come back. It is OK to wait for those results before starting treatment. Treating Strep Throat with AntibioticsOral antibiotics are the most common and effective treatment for strep throat. These can work to slightly reduce the duration and severity of symptoms, prevent complications, and limit the spread of infection to others. Sore throat may persist for up to a week even with antibiotic treatment, but antibiotics decrease the duration of symptoms by about one day, and should prevent symptoms from worsening within 2-3 days. You should never be given antibiotics without a positive diagnosis of strep via testing or evaluation by a licensed healthcare provider. If your strep test is negative, your symptoms are likely caused by a virus and antibiotics will not help and instead may be harmful. Common antibioticsThe most common antibiotic treatment for strep throat is penicillin or amoxicillin. For people who are allergic to penicillin and penicillin-based antibiotics, the recommended treatment is cephalexin or other similar cephalosporins, clindamycin, or azithromycin. PreventionSeveral strategies can help prevent you and your family from getting strep throat:
Think you may have strep throat? Chat with a doctor today for just $35 Chat Now When to See a DoctorSpeak with a provider as soon as you or your child are experiencing any symptoms of strep throat. If your provider confirms the diagnosis, they can prescribe the right antibiotic prescription to clear the infection. If you’re still feeling unwell two days after starting the medication, let your provider know. How K Health Can HelpDid you know you can get affordable primary care with the K Health app? Download K to check your symptoms, explore conditions and treatments, and if needed text with a doctor in minutes. K Health’s AI-powered app is HIPAA compliant and based on 20 years of clinical data. Frequently Asked QuestionsDoes strep throat need antibiotics to be treated? While strep throat typically goes away on its own without antibiotics, treatment with antibiotics can make symptoms improve in about 1-2 days and can prevent some complications. Can antibiotics make strep throat worse? No, antibiotics are a safe and effective treatment for strep throat. However, if your sore throat symptoms are due to a virus, antibiotics will not help and can make you feel worse. This is why it is important to be evaluated and get a strep test before starting antibiotics. What do I do if antibiotics aren’t working for my strep throat? If you feel your symptoms are getting worse or not improving on antibiotics within 2-3 days, contact your healthcare provider. K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. How can I get rid of strep throat fast?Lifestyle and home remedies. Get plenty of rest. Sleep helps your body fight infection. ... . Drink plenty of water. Keeping a sore throat lubricated and moist eases swallowing and helps prevent dehydration.. Eat soothing foods. ... . Gargle with warm salt water. ... . Honey. ... . Use a humidifier. ... . Stay away from irritants.. What is the best medicine for strep throat?Doctors most often prescribe penicillin or amoxicillin (Amoxil) to treat strep throat. They are the top choices because they're safer, inexpensive, and they work well on strep bacteria.
What kills strep throat besides antibiotics?Salt: Can soothe a sore throat, reduce painful swelling, and kill bacteria present in your mouth. The salt's antibacterial properties are also known to improve respiratory conditions. Mix 1/4 teaspoon (1.42 grams) of table salt in 8 ounces (237 milliliters) of warm water. Be sure to spit out the liquid after gargling.
Can I cure strep throat without antibiotics?Strep throat typically goes away within three to seven days with or without antibiotic treatment. If strep throat is not treated with antibiotics, you may be contagious for two to three weeks and at a higher risk for complications such as rheumatic fever.
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Best medicine to take for strep throat
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