Strep Throat – Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis
Doctors usually go through a few steps to figure out if you have strep throat. They look for symptoms like sore throat, pain when swallowing, fever, red and swollen tonsils, white patches on the tonsils, and swollen lymph nodes.
They might also check for things like palatal petechiae (little red spots on the roof of your mouth) and a scarlatiniform rash.
Testing matters a lot for a clear answer. The rapid antigen detection test (RADT)âor rapid strep testâuses a throat swab and gives results in just a few minutes.
If the rapid test turns up negative but they still think itâs strep, the doctor could send your sample for a throat culture. This test finds group A streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes), but you might wait up to two days for results.
A molecular (PCR) test can also spot strep bacteria fast by checking genetic material from the swab. These tests help your doctor decide if you need antibiotics.
Doctors rely on a mix of physical exams and lab tests to diagnose streptococcal pharyngitisâthatâs the usual approach.
Common Signs Checked by Doctors:
| Symptom | Checked by Doctor |
|---|---|
| Sore throat | â |
| Fever | â |
| Swollen lymph nodes | â |
| White patches on tonsils | â |
| Red and swollen tonsils | â |
| Petechiae or red spots | â |
Treatment
Medicines to Fight Infection
Doctors typically prescribe antibiotics after diagnosing strep throat. Penicillin and amoxicillin are favoritesâtheyâre safe and work for most people.
If someone canât tolerate beta-lactams, alternatives include macrolide antibiotics, first-generation cephalosporins, or lincosamide antibiotics.
Make sure you finish the full course, even if you start to feel fine before itâs done.
Ways to Ease Discomfort
To help with sore throat and fever, you can try over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Most people can use these safely if they follow the directions.
Donât give aspirin to kids or teens who are getting over viral illnessesâit can cause a serious issue called Reyeâs syndrome.
Quick tips for relief:
- Sip on warm drinks or enjoy cold treats
- Rest your voice
- Use a cool mist humidifier
Ways to Manage Symptoms at Home
When youâre dealing with strep or a viral sore throat, self-care matters. Getting enough sleep gives your body a real shot at fighting the infection.
Stay home if youâre feeling tired or have a fever. Try to keep your distance from others because strep spreads through respiratory droplets.
Drink plenty of fluids. Water, warm broths, and herbal teas can soothe your throat and help replace fluids lost from fever or vomiting.
Stick to soft, bland foodsâapplesauce, mashed potatoes, cooked cereal, yogurtâif swallowing hurts. Cold foods like frozen fruit pops or sherbet can also help.
Make a saltwater gargle by mixing 1/4 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces of warm water. Gargle a few times a day if youâre an older child or adult.
For younger kids, offer gentle options like honey in warm water (but not for kids under one).
Common symptoms & possible relief:
| Symptom | Tips for Relief |
|---|---|
| Sore throat | Saltwater gargle, honey, cold drinks |
| Runny nose | Saline nasal spray, humidifier |
| Fatigue, loss of appetite | Rest, soft foods, small frequent meals |
| Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting | Hydration, avoid spicy or acidic foods |
| Cough, hoarseness | Humidifier, avoid smoke/irritants |
| Conjunctivitis | Gentle saline eye care |
A cool-mist humidifier in your room can make breathing easier and reduce throat irritation. Just remember to clean it regularly so bacteria or mold donât build up.
Try to avoid irritants like cigarette smoke, strong fumes, or harsh cleaning products. Theyâll just make your throat feel worse and could slow down healing.
Getting Ready for Your Visit
Steps You Can Take Beforehand
A little prep before your appointment can make it way more helpful. Jot down all your symptomsâeven the ones that seem minor or unrelated to your sore throat.
Write when each symptom started and if anything makes them better or worse.
Gather details about recent stuffâlike if you or your child have been around anyone sick, had stressful events, changes at home or school, or traveled lately.
Knowing about family health problems or possible risk factors helps too. Make a list of all medicines, vitamins, and supplements, plus the doses.
Bring questions you want to ask. Here are some you might consider:
- Whatâs likely causing these symptoms?
- Could anything else be going on?
- Will we need any tests?
- What treatment do you suggest?
- When can I (or my child) go back to school or work?
- What can I do at home to feel better?
- Is there a lower cost or generic medicine?
If you can, bring someone along to help take notes or remember instructions. Donât be shy about writing down or asking any other questions.
Questions You May Hear From the Healthcare Provider
Doctors and nurses will probably ask you a bunch of questions to figure out the best care. They might ask:
- When did the symptoms start?
- Have they changed over time?
- How bad are theyâbetter, worse, or about the same?
- Has anyone with strep or other illness been around you?
- Any history of strep throat, and how was it treated?
- Any ongoing health problems?
- Has anything helped or made things worse?
Giving honest, clear answers helps your provider make a good diagnosis and treatment plan. Mention if youâve had strep beforeârepeats can point to other issues.
Itâs common for doctors to do a throat swab or quick lab tests. These steps help spot strep bacteria. Sharing everything you can at the visit makes things go smoother and faster.
Steps to Take While Waiting for Your Appointment
While you wait to see your provider, you can still do things to feel better and help keep others from getting sick. If you have symptoms:
- Wash your hands often
- Use tissues or cough into your elbow
- Donât share eating utensils, cups, towels, or toothbrushes
To help your throat and lower fever, try these:
| Relief Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Gargle with warm salt water | Mix 1/4 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces warm water |
| Drink fluids | Water, herbal tea, or broths |
| Rest | Get enough sleep |
| Eat soft foods | Choose bland, easy-to-swallow options |
| Use pain relievers | Ibuprofen or acetaminophen (check child dosing) |
These steps can help you feel a bit better and keep others safe. If new symptoms pop up or things get worse, let your healthcare provider know at your appointment.
More Information
If you donât treat strep throat early, sometimes it can lead to more serious health problems.
Possible Complications:
- Rheumatic Fever: This can affect your heart, joints, and nervous system. It usually shows up a few weeks after a strep infection.
- Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis: Your kidneys can get inflamed after a strep infection.
- Scarlet Fever: Some people get a red rash along with a sore throat and fever.
-
Abscesses: Infections near the throat can cause pus-filled areas called abscesses.
- Peritonsillar Abscess: Swelling and pus near the tonsils.
- Retropharyngeal Abscess: Swelling deeper behind the soft palate.
Suppurative Complications
Suppurative just means thereâs pus involved. These problems might need a doctor to drain the infection or give stronger antibiotics.
Table: Types of Complications
| Complication Name | Area Affected | Possible Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Acute Rheumatic Fever | Heart, joints, nerves | Heart disease, arthritis |
| Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis | Kidneys | Swelling, kidney issues |
| Peritonsillar Abscess | Near tonsils | Trouble swallowing |
| Retropharyngeal Abscess | Back of throat | Breathing problems |
| Scarlet Fever | Skin, body | Rash, fever |
Getting treatment quickly lowers the risk of these complications. If you notice new symptoms like trouble breathing, neck swelling, or chest pain, see a doctor right away.
