Strep throat is a throat infection caused by a group of bacteria called streptococcus pyogenes (group A strep). The infection makes your throat sore and scratchy and can cause complications like rheumatic fever, sinus and ear infections, and kidney inflammation if left untreated.

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Common Signs and Symptoms

Some signs and symptoms of strep throat include:

Factors that increase your risk of getting a sinus infection include:

  • Pain and fever
  • A sore throat
  • Swollen tonsils
  • Small red spots on the roof of the mouth
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Rashes
  • Loss of appetite

Causes

Bacteria that cause strep throat are common in the nose and throat and can spread very easily by talking, sneezing, or coughing.

It takes around two to five days for someone exposed to the bacteria to show symptoms of strep throat. However, it’s important to know that not everyone who is infected shows symptoms.

You can get sick if you:

  • Breathe in the respiratory droplets containing bacteria (passed by talking, coughing, sneezing) from an infected person
  • Touch something that has those droplets and then touch your nose or mouth
  • Eat or drink from the same utensils as that of an infected person
  • Touch skin sores caused by group A strep

Home Care for Strep Throat

Although a doctor visit is a must, there are a number of things you can do at home to make the symptoms more tolerable:

  • Gargle with salt-water
  • Suck on a throat lozenge
  • Use a new toothbrush
  • Drink warm liquids and plenty of water
  • Suck on something cold like ice chips
  • Eat soft foods that are easy to swallow (soups, oatmeal, applesauce)
  • Don’t drink acidic drinks like orange juice
  • Have raw honey to ease inflammation and pain
  • Use a nasal spray or humidifier
  • Get proper rest

If you feel like you may have strep throat, reach out to our doctors at MedTell today.