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Strep throat causes about 5.2 million outpatient doctor visits yearly in the United States. If you suspect you or your child has strep throat, see Frank Lee, MD, and the team at North Tex MedCare Clinic and Urgent Care, with locations in Allen, Addison, Fort Worth, and San Antonio, Texas. They provide strep throat diagnostic testing and treatments that ease unpleasant symptoms and help prevent complications. Schedule an evaluation by calling the office or requesting one online today. Telemedicine visits are also available.
What is strep throat?
Strep throat is an infection caused by bacteria that often contributes to a scratchy, sore throat. When left untreated, it may lead to complications —- such as rheumatic fever or kidney inflammation. While strep throat is most common among children, it affects people of all ages. See the team at North Tex MedCare Clinic and Urgent Care if you suspect strep throat.
Which symptoms can strep throat cause?
Strep throat can cause the following symptoms:
- Painful swallowing
- Sore throat that often begins abruptly
- Swollen, red tonsils
- Streaks of pus or white patches on your throat
- Tiny spots at the back, top portion of your mouth
- Fever
- Tender, swollen lymph nodes in your neck
- Headaches
- Vomiting or nausea in children
- Rashes
- Body aches
- Difficulty swallowing
Because these symptoms are also common during other illnesses, strep testing is important to determine the best course of treatment. North Tex MedCare Clinic and Urgent Care also offers flu testing, COVID-19 testing, and other diagnostic tests.
What increases the risk of having strep throat?
Strep throat is caused by the bacterium streptococcus pyogenes, or group A streptococcus. These bacteria are contagious, passing from one person to the next via coughing, sneezing, shared food and drinks, shared surfaces, and close contact with an infected person. Strep throat tends to circulate more easily in the early spring and winter months.
When left untreated, strep bacteria can spread and infect the tonsils, sinuses, middle ear, blood, or skin. It can lead to scarlet fever, kidney inflammation, rheumatic fever, post-streptococcal reactive arthritis, or other complications.
Ways to reduce the risk of strep throat include frequent hand washing, not touching your hands to your nose, eyes, or mouth, and not sharing personal items.
How is strep throat diagnosed?
Diagnosing strep throat involves a discussion about your symptoms and medical history and an examination of your throat. Your provider typically recommends one or more diagnostic tests requiring a swab of the back of the throat. A lab analysis of this sample can confirm a strep throat diagnosis.
How is strep throat treated?
Treating strep throat often consists of taking antibiotics and medications that ease any symptoms, such as over-the-counter or prescription medicines that reduce throat pain.
It’s also helpful to get plenty of sleep, drink a lot of fluids, gargle with warm salt water, eat a spoonful of honey (avoid giving honey to babies younger than 12 months old), and use a cool-mist humidifier.
If you suspect you or a loved one has strep throat, schedule an appointment with the experts at North Tex MedCare Clinic and Urgent Care by phone or request one online today.