Strep Throat

What is strep throat?

Strep throat causes about one-third of all sore throats. It is spread through close contact with someone who has strep throat and who coughs or sneezes and releases infected water droplets into the air.

It’s most common in children and teens, though adults can get it, too.

What are the signs of strep throat?

Strep throat symptoms tend to begin quickly with a sore, raw, and scratchy throat that makes swallowing painful. Other symptoms of strep throat include:

• A fever of 101℉ or higher
• Red, swollen tonsils
• White patches on the lining of the throat
• Tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth
• Loss of appetite
• Stomachache
• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rash

The common cold can also cause a sore throat, but it’s often accompanied by a runny nose. This is one way the Brandon Riverview Medical Associates team differentiates between the two illnesses to determine your diagnosis.

What causes strep throat?

Strep throat is caused by bacteria called group A streptococcus or Streptococcus pyogenes. The bacteria normally live in the lining of your nose and throat but cause an infection when your immune system is weakened. It’s important to know the cause of your sore throat in order to get the right type of treatment.

How is strep throat diagnosed?

In order to diagnose the cause of your sore throat, your Brandon Riverview Medical Associates provider performs a thorough visual exam of the inside of your mouth and throat to look for the characteristic white patches at the back of your throat. Your provider then uses a long cotton swab to collect a tissue sample from the back of your throat.

The tissue sample is tested for signs of the strep bacteria. This is called a rapid strep test and can be done on-site in less than 20 minutes. A similar test called a throat culture, can also be performed, although it takes two days to get the results.

How is strep throat treated?

Once you’re diagnosed with strep throat, your provider prescribes antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing your infection. You must take your antibiotics as recommended to fully recover from the illness, which takes several days. You may find that eating soft foods and drinking cold liquids soothes your sore throat until you’re feeling better.

If you suspect strep throat, set up an appointment online or call Brandon Riverview Medical Associates to come in for testing and treatment.