Strep Throat Treatment in Chesapeake, VA
Strep throat is an infection from bacteria that causes a severe sore throat, trouble swallowing, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. It needs treatment with antibiotics given by a medical expert. Adequate rest, hydration, and prescription pain relievers can help ease symptoms. If you suspect you have strep throat, seek quick medical attention from our board-certified doctor, Dr. Samir Abdelshaheed, MD, at Family Medicine Healthcare for a diagnosis and proper treatment. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 3925 Portsmouth Blvd Chesapeake, VA 23321.
Table of Contents:
How common is strep throat?
How do i know if my child has strep throat?
How to tell the difference between a sore throat and strep in kids?
What is the fastest way to get rid of strep throat?
Strep throat is a very common condition that affects many people worldwide. This condition is caused by Streptococcus bacteria and affects the throat and tonsils. While anyone can develop strep throat, it is more prevalent in children and adolescents. Strep throat is highly contagious and can easily spread through respiratory droplets from an infected person.
Millions of cases of strep throat occur each year. The illness causes symptoms such as a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, swollen tonsils, fever, and sometimes white patches or spots in the throat. Fortunately, strep throat is typically a self-limiting condition and can be effectively treated with antibiotics. Seeking medical attention for a proper diagnosis and comprehensive treatment is key to preventing complications and alleviating symptoms.
If you suspect that your child may have strep throat, it’s essential to be aware of the common signs and symptoms to look out for. Strep throat occurs more commonly in children and adolescents than in adults. Some indications that your child may have strep throat include:
Sore throat: Your child will likely complain of a severe and persistent sore throat.
Difficulty swallowing: Swallowing may become painful and uncomfortable for your child.
Red and swollen tonsils: The tonsils will appear enlarged and red. They may have white patches or spots.
Fever: Your child may develop a high-grade fever, often above 101°F (38.3°C).
Headache and stomachache: Some children experience accompanying symptoms like a headache or a stomachache.
Loss of appetite: Your child may have a decreased desire to eat due to throat discomfort.
Fatigue and irritability: Strep throat can make your child tired and irritable.
It’s important to remember that these symptoms can also be present in other conditions, so it’s wise to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis. Our team can perform a throat swab to confirm the presence of strep throat and prescribe effective treatment.
Distinguishing between a regular sore throat and strep throat in children can be challenging since these two conditions share similar symptoms. Some key differences to consider include:
Sore throat symptoms: A sore throat caused by a common cold or viral infection typically improves within a few days and may be accompanied by nasal congestion, coughing, or sneezing. Strep throat, on the other hand, may persist and worsen over time.
Redness and swelling: Strep throat usually causes significant redness and swelling of the tonsils, sometimes with white patches or spots. A regular sore throat does not cause these specific symptoms.
Lymph node enlargement: In strep throat, the lymph nodes in the neck may become tender and swollen. This is less common with a regular sore throat.
Presence of fever: Strep throat often causes a fever, while a regular sore throat may not always result in this symptom. Generally, fever is more commonly seen in strep throat cases.
To get rid of strep throat fast, it’s important to seek medical attention and follow the prescribed treatment plan. Some steps to ensure a quick recovery include:
Consult a healthcare professional: Visit a healthcare provider who can properly diagnose strep throat through a throat swab and prescribe effective treatment.
Antibiotics: Strep throat is treated with antibiotics to eradicate the infection. Take the prescribed antibiotics as directed by your healthcare provider, even if symptoms improve before completing the full course.
Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can alleviate throat pain and reduce fever.
Rest and hydration: Get plenty of rest to allow your body to heal and stay hydrated by drinking fluids like water, warm tea, or soothing broth to prevent dehydration.
Gargle with warm salt water: Gargling with warm salt water several times a day can soothe the throat and alleviate discomfort.
Avoid irritants: Avoid irritants such as smoking, secondhand smoke, and fumes, as they can worsen throat symptoms.
Family Medicine Healthcare provides treatment for strep throat. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 3925 Portsmouth Blvd Chesapeake, VA 23321. We serve patients from Chesapeake VA, Portsmouth VA, Norfolk VA, Suffolk VA, Virginia Beach VA, and Hampton VA.