Strep throat is a bacterial infection that usually requires antibiotics for treatment. However, while waiting for medical care or antibiotics to take effect, there are several home remedies that may help alleviate symptoms.
The most common cause of strep throats is a virus. Viral sore throats are often accompanied by flu-like symptoms including a runny nose, cough, red or watery eyes, and sneezing.
Strep Throat Vs Viral Sore Throat Symptoms
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that makes the throat feel sore and itchy. Strep throat is most common in children, but it can affect people of all ages.
If left untreated, strep throat can lead to complications, such as kidney inflammation or rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever can cause painful and inflamed joints or damage to heart valves.
Strep Throat Symptoms
1. Sore throat that usually comes on quickly
2. Pain when swallowing
3. Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white spots or pus spots
4. Small red spots on the back of the roof of the mouth (soft or hard palate)
5. Swollen and tender lymph nodes in the neck
6. Fever
7. Headache
8. Rash
9. Nausea or vomiting, especially in young children
10. Aches and pains
Although these are common symptoms of people experiencing strep throat, these signs are not always present in everyone.
Home Remedies
To speed up recovery, you should treat your strep throat yourself, such as:
1. Getting more rest and drinking fluids, especially water, to avoid dehydration
2. Eating nutritious foods. Choose foods with a soft and smooth texture so that they are easy to swallow and also boost your immune system.
3. Gargling with salt water several times a day
4. Using a humidifier
5. Taking throat lozenges
6. Stopping unhealthy habits such as smoking, drinking alcohol, or snacking on sweet foods excessively
When to See a Doctor
Call your doctor right away if you or your child has any of the following strep throat symptoms:
1. A sore throat with tenderness and swollen lymph nodes
2. A sore throat with the symptoms listed above for 48 hours
3. A fever of more than 101.5 Fahrenheit (38.3° Celsius) for more than 48 hours
4. A sore throat with a rash
5. Breathing problems or having difficulty swallowing food or saliva
6. Shortness of breath
7. Urine that turns black and lasts for more than a week
While these remedies can help manage the symptoms of strep throat, they are not a substitute for antibiotics if prescribed by a doctor.
No Responses Yet