About this topic
Strep throat is an infection of the throat caused by germs called group A streptococci. Strep throat is not the same as just a sore throat. It may be much worse. With strep throat, your doctor may need to treat the infection with drugs. You may start to feel better 1 to 2 days after you start your drugs. ‚
The doctor may look for the signs and may do tests like a throat swab to see if you have this illness. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Gargle with warm salt water a few times daily. Mix 1/2 teaspoon salt with a cup of warm water.
- Use a cool mist humidifier to keep your throat moist.
- Drink lots of water, juice, or broth.
- Suck on ice chips or throat lozenges to ease pain.
- If you smoke, stop until you are told by your doctor to do so. Stay away from those who are smoking.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Fight an infection
Will physical activity be limited?
You may need to rest at home for 1 to 2 days or until you are feeling well. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
- If your throat feels too sore to eat solid foods, you may drink juice, milk, milkshakes, or soups.
- Do not drink sports drinks, soft drinks, undiluted fruit juice, or beverages that have too much sugar. These may cause fluid loss and throat itchiness.
- Avoid caffeine, acidic juices like orange juice or lemonade, and beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol). These can worsen your signs.
What problems could happen?
- Kidney damage
- Rheumatic fever
- Heart problems
- Ear infection
- Tonsillitis
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Strep throat is very contagious. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers also work to kill the germs.
- If you are sick, cover your mouth and nose with tissue when you cough or sneeze. You can also cough into your elbow. Throw away tissues in the trash and wash your hands after touching used tissues.
- Do not share cups or eating utensils with others, especially while you are sick.
- Do not get too close (kissing, hugging) to people who are sick.
- Do not share towels or hankies with anyone who is sick.
- Stay away from crowded places.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum.
- Fast heartbeat
- Very tired
- Trouble drinking and eating soups and soft foods
- Changes in the color of your urine
- Health problem is not better in a week or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what I can do to help avoid passing the infection to others.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have trouble drinking or I am not feeling better in a week.
Where can I learn more?
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/lung/strep_throat.html ‚
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases ‚
http://www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/strepThroat/Pages/default.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚