A sore throat doesn't necessarily mean you have strep throat.Most sore throats are caused by viruses.Strep throat is an infectious disease that requires treatment with antibiotics.You will be able to seek the proper medical attention if you learn to recognize the symptoms of strep throat.
Step 1: If you have throat pain, note it.
Strep throat is a disease that can be spread.The hallmark symptom of strep throat is a sore throat.You may have difficulty swallowing.
Step 2: Take a look at your throat.
In addition to a sore throat that starts quickly, your throat tonsils may look red and swollen.There may be small red spots on the roof of the mouth.
Step 3: You should feel your neck.
The inflammation will cause the neck to swell.The swelling will also be tender to the touch if you feel around your neck.There are glands in the front of your neck under your jaw.It will feel like a hard lump under your skin.
Step 4: You should pay attention to your breath.
Bad breath can be caused by throat infections.The dead white blood cells will give off a particular odor.
Step 5: Take your temperature.
There are two more distinguishing symptoms of strep throat.On the second day of the infection, the temperature is usually the highest.The normal body temperature is 37C.Fluctuations greater than one or two degrees Fahrenheit are a sign that you might have an illness.If you have a high temperature that lasts more than 48 hours, call your healthcare provider.
Step 6: There are more flu-like symptoms to look for.
You may experience flu-like symptoms when your immune system responds vigorously to an infection.The symptoms include: sore chest, headaches, nausea, or vomiting, especially in children.
Step 7: See your doctor.
Your doctor will have to determine if your illness is a case of strep throat or something else.If your symptoms persist for more than 48 hours, you should see your doctor because your body will begin clearing most viral infections that can cause similar symptoms within a day or two.
Step 8: OTC pain medication can be taken over-the-counter.
Ibuprofen and other OTC painkillers can help reduce pain.If possible, take the medicines with food.Reye's syndrome can cause life-threatening swelling in the liver and brain if aspirin is used to treat strep throat in children and teenagers.
Step 9: Gargle with water.
Salt water can help with sore throats.A tall glass of warm water is needed.Take the salt water in the back of your mouth, tilt your head back, and gargle for thirty seconds.The back of your throat is coated with salt water.As necessary, repeat several times a day.Younger children should understand not to swallow the salt water.
Step 10: Stay hydrated
People who have a sore throat can become dehydrated because they can't drink.Pain associated with swallowing can be reduced by keeping your throat lubricated.It may be unpleasant at first, but drink plenty of water.Some people like warm liquids more than cold water.Warm tea with lemon or honey is something you may want to try.
Step 11: Sleep.
One of the best things you can do to help your immune system is to sleep.Get lots of rest when you stay home from work or school.You should stay home to help prevent the spread of the disease.
Step 12: It is a good idea to use a humidifier.
If your throat dries out overnight, it can cause a sore throat in the morning.It is possible to reduce the pain of your strep throat by adding more humidity to the air while you sleep.It is recommended that you clean a humidifier daily since they are ideal environments for mold andbacteria.
Step 13: You can use a spray or lozenge.
Throat lozenges and sprays are designed to help with sore throat symptoms.These products can be used to numb or coat the throat.Use as directed.lozenges should not be given to children under the age of 4.
Step 14: There are easy-to-swallow foods.
It will be more painful to swallow hard, dry foods that can irritate your throat.A few foods that might be easier to swallow are soups, applesauce, yogurt, and mashed potatoes.If you have symptoms, you should avoid spicy foods.
Step 15: It's a good idea to avoid throat irritants.
Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke can cause irritation to your throat.Paint fumes and fumes from cleaning products are irritants you should avoid.
Step 16: You should see your doctor.
If the symptoms persist, you should see your doctor because you could be at risk of contracting a disease such as strep throat, which can lead to infections in other parts of the body.A culture of a sample from your throat will be used by your doctor or lab to determine your diagnosis.A course of antibiotics is likely to be prescribed by your doctor if the test comes back positive.
Step 17: The full course of antibiotics should be taken.
A ten-day course of antibiotics is likely to be prescribed by your physician.If you have an allergy to penicillin or amoxicillin, he or she will likely prescribe a different antibiotic.Until the prescription is gone, take as directed.It is possible to stop or skip a dose if you feel better, as well as helping to produce antibiotic-resistantbacteria.If you experience an allergic reaction to the antibiotic, or if your symptoms have not started to improve within forty-eight hours of beginning your course of antibiotics, you should see your doctor again.Do not come back to work or school for more than 24 hours.Until you have been on the antibiotic for a full day, you will still be contagious.
Step 18: You should wash your hands often.
One of the best preventative measures you can take is to wash your hands frequently.If you have strep throat, you want to make sure you don't spread it to others.
Step 19: If you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth.
If you cough or sneeze while you have a strep throat infection, you can potentially spread it to others.If you cough or sneeze, make sure you cover your mouth.If you must use your hands, make sure to wash them immediately after.
Step 20: Don't share personal items.
If you eat utensils, cups, and anything else near your mouth, you are more likely to spread the disease to others.If you don't want to share these items, wash them in hot, soapy water.Throw away your toothbrush and get a new one after you finish taking antibiotics.When it comes to dishes and utensils, the dishwasher works well.