Strep Throat Specialist

What is strep throat?

Strep throat is a bacterial infection that causes a painful sore throat and other symptoms. Strep throat affects people of all ages but is most common in children.

Strep throat is highly contagious. The infection is caused by streptococcal bacteria, which is spread by sharing food or drinks, or through the air when an infected person sneezes or coughs.

Streptococcal bacteria also linger on doorknobs and other surfaces. You can catch strep throat by touching an infected object and then touching your:

• Eyes
• Nose
• Mouth

To prevent the spread of strep throat, wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and avoid sharing food and drinks.

Most sore throats aren’t strep throat. However, if you or your child are experiencing the symptoms of strep throat, contact Bethel Family Medicine right away for diagnosis and treatment. Left untreated, strep may spread and can infect your:

• Tonsils
• Sinuses
• Skin
• Blood
• Ears

Untreated strep throat may also lead to certain inflammatory conditions, such as scarlet fever or rheumatic fever.

What are the symptoms of strep throat?

Strep throat causes a range of symptoms, including:

• A painful throat
• Pain when you swallow
• Swollen and red tonsils, sometimes with white patches
• Tiny red spots on the roof of your mouth near your throat
• Swollen, tender lymph nodes
• Headache
• Rash
• Fever
• Body aches

Nausea or vomiting is also common with strep throat, especially in younger children.

How is strep throat diagnosed?

Your provider at Bethel Family Medicine begins by examining your throat for signs of strep throat. A throat culture is generally needed to confirm your diagnosis. This involves brushing a sterile swab along your tonsils and throat.

What treatments are available for strep throat?

If you or a loved one has strep throat, your provider prescribes antibiotics to treat the streptococcal bacteria. Generally, you’ll be prescribed amoxicillin or penicillin.

If your child has strep throat, your provider may give him or her a shot of antibiotic, or prescribe an antibiotic in pill or liquid form. A course of antibiotics usually lasts 10 days. It’s important to take the antibiotic for the recommended number of days, even if you or your child no longer shows the symptoms of strep throat.

For prompt, expert strep throat diagnosis and treatment, call today or schedule a consultation online.