Strep Throat Treatment Germantown, TN
The early symptoms of strep throat can often feel like the onset of a cold or flu. It is characterized primarily by a sore, scratchy throat and is often associated with fever or headache. Though rest and store-bought medicine can sometimes be enough to treat certain respiratory illnesses, strep throat is best treated with professional care.
Strep throat treatment is available at call People First Urgent & Primary Care Germantown in Germantown and the surrounding area. This condition is highly contagious and may lead to serious complications if left untreated. Visit us today or call (901) 257-3077 to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our services.
Understanding Strep Throat
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that makes the throat feel sore and scratchy. It only accounts for a small portion of sore throats. However, it is crucial to diagnose since, if left untreated, severe complications may arise. These include kidney inflammation and rheumatic fever, which, in turn, can lead to inflamed joints or heart valve damage. Strep throat can affect people of all ages, but it is most common in young children.
Since strep throat is a bacterial infection, it requires antibiotic treatment. Though home remedies may alleviate some of its symptoms, only professional treatment can ensure that it does not spread or worsen. As such, individuals should seek medical attention as soon as they suspect they may have strep throat.
“Strep throat is a bacterial infection that makes the throat feel sore and scratchy.”
Causes of Strep Throat
Strep throat is caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria or Streptococcus pyogenes. This group of bacteria is also known as group A strep, or GAS. It is a highly contagious bacterial infection that usually spreads through respiratory droplets, such as sneezes or coughs.
Individuals can become infected with strep throat if they touch their eyes, mouth, or nose after being exposed to group A strep. Alternatively, they can become infected after sharing food or drink with an infected person or coming into contact with a contaminated object, then touching the face.
“Strep throat is caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria or Streptococcus pyogenes.”
Symptoms of Strep Throat
Some people may experience more severe strep throat symptoms than others. The most common signs of strep throat include:
- Chills
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Sore, red throat with white patches
- Sudden fever, especially one that is 101 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Trouble swallowing
Those with mild cases of strep throat may not experience much more than a sore throat. For this reason, they may confuse strep throat with the common cold, a sinus infection, postnasal drip, or acid reflux. In any case, strep throat symptoms generally develop within five days of exposure to the strep bacteria.
“…strep throat symptoms generally develop within five days of exposure to the strep bacteria.”
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Treating Strep Throat
Our primary care doctor can determine the severity of a patient's strep throat and treat it accordingly. Since strep throat is a bacterial infection, this will almost always involve a prescribed antibiotic treatment to stop the spread. Patients may stop taking their medication once they see their symptoms improve. However, this does not mean that the infection has been killed off entirely. As such, patients must complete the entire course of medication to minimize the risk of relapse.
There are various antibiotics for strep throat treatment. Penicillin and amoxicillin are the most common. If patients are allergic, they may be prescribed azithromycin or another course of antibiotics instead. For some patients, multiple antibiotic treatments may be necessary.
“Since strep throat is a bacterial infection, [treatment] will almost always involve a prescribed antibiotic treatment to stop the spread.”
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Diagnosing Strep Throat
It can be challenging to differentiate between strep throat and other illnesses. Only a medical professional can make a correct diagnosis. As such, individuals should seek medical attention if they are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Dark, red blotches or spots on the tonsils or top of the mouth
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Sore throat lasting longer than two days
- Sore throat with a pink, fine, sandpaper-like rash on the skin
- Sore throat with white patches
A primary care doctor can examine the throat for any signs of inflammation. They may also ask the patient about any other symptoms and check their neck for swollen lymph nodes. If there is reason to believe that the patient may have strep, the physician may conduct a rapid strep test in the office. This test involves swabbing the back of the throat with a long cotton swab to collect a sample and then sending it to a lab to look for any signs of bacteria. Results should be available in around five minutes. If the test comes back negative, but the physician still has concerns, further testing may be necessary.
“It can be challenging to differentiate between strep throat and other illnesses. Only a medical professional can make a correct diagnosis”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I be vaccinated against group A strep?
A. No. As of yet, there are no vaccines available against group A Streptococcus bacteria. Fortunately, there are still many preventative measures you can take. Remember to cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, and wash your hands frequently. Avoid sharing personal items with others, especially those that may be infected.
Q. Do tonsils serve a purpose?
A. Yes. Tonsils are the red, oval clumps of tissue at the back and sides of the throat. They facilitate the tonsils in intercepting any germs that enter the body through the nose and throat. Tonsils have infection-fighting cells and antibodies to limit the spread of germs. It is not uncommon for tonsils to become inflamed in cases of strep throat.
Q. Can strep throat clear up on its own?
A. Yes. The body may get rid of strep throat within two to five days. However, this is typically only true for minor cases. For more severe cases, proper treatment is necessary to prevent any potential complications.
Q. Can I still go to school or work if I have strep throat?
A. No. Strep throat is highly contagious, and you may easily pass it onto someone else. Stay home until your fever has passed and you have taken antibiotics for at least 24 hours.
Q. When should I go to the emergency room for strep throat?
A. Strep throat is usually not an emergency. Still, some cases require immediate attention. If you are experiencing drooling and significant difficulty breathing or swallowing, you should visit a hospital as soon as possible. Otherwise, we can help treat you.
Start Feeling Better – Visit Us Today
By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.
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Definition of Medical Terminology
Call Us Today
If you have a persistent sore throat accompanied by other symptoms, you may have strep throat. We at People First Urgent & Primary Care Germantown can help. Call us at 901-257-3077 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Journal of Medicine. American Journal of Medicine. 2022
- American Medical Association (AMA). American Medical Association (AMA). 2022
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2022
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