A sore throat can hurt.A sore throat does not mean you have strep throat.Most sore throats are caused by viruses.Strep throat is caused by the bacterium Group A Streptococci.Strep throat needs treatment with antibiotics.You can get over strep throat with the right treatment.
Step 1: The symptoms of strep throat can be seen.
A sore throat can have many different causes.Your immune system can handle these infections on its own, without the help of a doctor.Other symptoms besides just throat pain that can point to a strep throat infection include: fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and white patches on the tonsils.
Step 2: See your doctor.
If you want to treat strep throat, you need a prescription from your doctor.If you think you have strep throat, you should make an appointment to see your doctor.If you don't pay attention to the spread of the infection, it can lead to serious consequences, such as scarlet fever, which can affect your heart, joints, and nervous system.
Step 3: You should submit to any testing.
As part of a physical examination, your doctor will look down at your throat and feel the scuplture in your neck.He or she could ask you to submit a more concrete form of testing to confirm the diagnosis.A rapid antigen test requires a saliva sample from your throat.The test can provide an answer in minutes, but it is not the most reliable method.Your doctor may still order the next test if the test comes back negative for strep throat.A throat culture will use a sterile swab of your throat, but it will be sent to a lab for a day or two to see if there is more strep in the sample.
Step 4: You should begin your course of antibiotics.
If you have a diagnosis of strep throat, your doctor will write you a prescription for antibiotics that will kill the germs.The antibiotic prescribed will affect the duration of the prescription.penicillin and ampicillin are some of the antibiotics prescribed for strep throat.If you have been vomiting due to your illness, your doctor can give you an antibiotic injection.An anti-nausea medication may be taken along with a regular course of antibiotics.If you have an allergy to antibiotics, your doctor can prescribe other options, such as clindamycin.
Step 5: Take the entire prescription.
It is important to take the entire prescription until it is gone, because your symptoms may start to improve within a day or two.If you stop the course of antibiotics before you finish them, you run a higher risk of a repeat of the infection, and it can also help to breed antibiotic-resistant strains.If you want to take the antibiotic, make sure to follow all other directions, including avoiding alcohol, taking the drug on an empty stomach, and the time interval between doses.It is possible to return to school or work after you have been on the antibiotics for twenty-four hours.
Step 6: OTC pain relief can be taken over the counter.
While waiting for your lab culture to confirm your diagnosis, you can take other steps to soothe the pain.If you have a sore throat, OTC pain medications can help.Ibuprofen and Tylenol are common OTC options.Children under the age of eighteen should not use aspirin due to the risk of Reye syndrome, a potentially life threatening condition that can lead to seizures, coma, or brain damage.
Step 7: Gargle with warm salt water.
Warm eight ounces of water and then add a quarter of table salt.If you want to spit it out, Gargle the mix at the back of your throat.It is safe to do this several times a day as needed to relieve throat pain.Younger children are also safe with this option.Ensure the child is old enough to properly gargle the solution without swallowing the salt water.
Step 8: Get some rest.
Sleeping gives your immune system time and resources to fight thebacteria with the help of the antibiotics.Try to sleep an additional four to five hours during the day and eight hours at night.If you have a sore throat, cover it up with blankets and don't have drafts or overhead fans on.
Step 9: Drink a lot of liquids.
In addition to preventing dehydration, drinking plenty of water will also keep your throat moist which will ease the pain associated with swallowing.Recommendations are different between men and women.Women should aim to drink nine cups a day, while men should drink 13 cups.Some people prefer warm liquids while others prefer cold liquids.If you like warm liquids, you can try green tea and honey.You can suck on a popsicle for some relief if you prefer cold liquids.
Step 10: Stay away from soft foods.
It will irritate your throat more if you have rough shards of toast or other sharp foods.It is more comforting to stick to soft foods during the worst of your sore throat symptoms.Soft-cooked eggs, yogurt, soups, and more.It will be less abrasive to your throat.In addition to avoiding dry, rough foods, you should also avoid spicy foods and acidic options such as orange juice.It is a good idea to have yogurts with active cultures.These types of yogurt can help restore your system to normal after your antibiotics have been used.
Step 11: It is possible to use a humidifier.
Along with drinking water and using a humidifier, you can keep your throat moist to avoid swallowing.It is a good option to sleep at night and nap during the day to avoid waking up with more throat pain.The moist environment makes it a good place to breedbacteria.The manufacturer has instructions on how to clean the humidifier.You can place several dishes of water in the room with you if you don't have a vaporizer.The air will naturally humidify as the water evaporates.
Step 12: Take herbal cough drops or lozenges.
These lozenges can be used to relieve sore throat pain.Make sure your child is old enough not to choke on the lozenge if they have strep throat.Similar ingredients can be found in sprays and sore throat lozenges.
Step 13: It's a good idea to reduce your exposure to throat irritants.
Irritants such as air pollution and cigarette smoke can cause sore throat symptoms.If you smoke, you should consider quitting.If you don't smoke, you'll be able to avoid making your throat hurt more than it already does.
Step 14: It's a good idea to wash your hands with soap and hot water.
It is possible for you to re-invade yourself after you have recovered from a strep throat infection.Make sure to wash your hands with warm, soapy water and lather them for at least twenty seconds.If you can't wash your hands, keep a bottle of alcohol-based hand sanitizer around.The solution needs to be at least 60 percent alcohol.Before and after you floss your teeth, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly.
Step 15: Your toothbrush needs to be replaced.
If you have been on your antibiotic for at least twenty-four hours, you should replace your toothbrush because it has come into contact with the strepbacteria in your mouth.You risk reinfecting yourself if you don't clear your infection.
Step 16: The items should be washed in hot, soapy water.
Utensils, cups, and other items that have come into contact with your mouth should be washed in hot, soapy water to kill the strepbacteria present on them.pillowcases and sheets that are close to your mouth are included.On the hot setting of your washing machine, wash them with detergent.
Step 17: When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth.
If your sore throat has led to coughing, then you should cover your mouth with your hands, sleeve, or a tissue to avoid infecting those around you.Make sure you wash your hands.
Step 18: Don't share items.
Along with cleaning them well, you should not share cups during your illness.