WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
When streptococcal (STREP-toe-COCK-ul) bacteria attack
the throat, the infection is known as streptococcal pharyngitis
(FAIR-in-JIE-tis), or strep throat. With care, you will begin
to feel better in 2 or 3 days. Although the sore throat may go
away without treatment, you may develop other problems, such as
ear, sinus, or kidney problems or rheumatic (ru-MA-tick)
fever.
Causes
Streptococcal bacteria can easily
spread from person to person in the home, at school or day
care, or at work. Smoking, fatigue, and exposure to cold, wet
weather can increase your chances of developing a strep
infection.
Signs/Symptoms
Typically, you'll have pain,
swelling, redness and, perhaps, a tickle or lump in the throat;
plus swollen glands in the neck. You may also have a fever and
a headache. People with a severe strep throat may drool or have
trouble swallowing and talking. Children with the infection may
be fussy and cry, have trouble swallowing, and refuse to eat,
drink, or sleep.
Care
See your doctor for a throat
culture. If strep is found, the doctor will prescribe
antibiotics.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
To ease the pain in your throat, suck on hard candy
or cough drops. Adults and children over 8 years of age
should gargle with 1 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces of warm
water or strong tea (warm or cold). Younger children can be
given a teaspoon of honey or corn syrup several times a
day. (Do not give honey to children under 1 year of
age.)
-
Using a cool-mist humidifier in the sickroom may also
help.
-
For swollen and tender lumps in the neck, apply a
moist, warm towel to the area several times a day for 30 to
60 minutes. To prevent burns, keep the compresses warm but
not hot.
-
Drink 8 to 10 (soda-can sized) glasses of water each
day. If your throat is too sore to eat solid food, drink
milk, milk shakes, and soups. Resume a normal diet as soon
as you feel better.
-
To relieve fever and pain, you may use
over-the-counter medicines such as acetaminophen and
ibuprofen. Always follow directions.
-
If your doctor has prescribed antibiotics, be sure to
finish all the medication. If you stop treatment too soon,
some bacteria may survive and cause additional
problems.
-
Do not smoke or drink alcohol. Try not to cough,
clear your throat, sing, or talk a
lot.
-
Try to get as much rest and sleep as
possible.
-
Don't share food or drinks with anyone until your
treatment is finished. Get a new
toothbrush.
-
Family members with a sore throat or fever should see
their doctor or have a throat culture.
-
You may return to work or school 24 hours after
starting antibiotics.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
You develop a high temperature, or your fever lasts
more than 48 hours.
-
You have large and tender lumps in your
neck.
-
You get a rash, cough, or pain in your
ears.
-
You cough up green, yellow-brown, or bloody
sputum.
Seek Care Immediately If...
-
You have any new symptoms such as throwing up, really
bad headache, stiff neck, chest pain, shortness of breath,
or trouble breathing or swallowing.
-
You develop really bad throat pain, drooling, or
changes in your voice.
-
A child with strep becomes increasingly sleepy, is
unable to wake up completely, or grows
irritable.
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