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Strep throat is a sore throat caused by a bacterial infection. Strep throat usually goes away on its own within a week, whether treated with antibiotics or not. Strep throat is a bacterial infection that is a common cause of sore throat. Antibiotics are used to treat strep throat.
Strep throat usually goes away on its own within a week with or without antibiotic treatment, but without antibiotics, people may still be contagious for two to three weeks and are at a higher risk for complications. If a person tests positive for strep throat but has no symptoms (is a “carrier”) treatment is often not needed. What Causes Strep Throat?Strep throat is caused by bacteria called group A Streptococcus (group A strep) which live in the nose and throat and can be contagious. When a person infected with strep coughs or sneezes, they release respiratory droplets with the bacteria into the air. Strep can be transmitted when people:
How Is Strep Throat Diagnosed?Tests used to diagnose strep throat include:
QUESTIONJust about any painful sore throat is caused by strep. See AnswerFromReviewed on 1/20/2022 References Image Source: iStock Images https://www.cdc.gov/groupastrep/diseases-public/strep-throat.html https://www.gohealthuc.com/library/strep-throat-home-remedies
Strep throat generally goes away on its own in three to five days; however, antibiotics are still typically prescribed to help reduce the spread of the virus. Yes, strep throat generally goes away on its own in three to five days. Nonetheless, antibiotics are generally recommended based on certain lab tests.
Your doctor may prescribe you penicillin or other antibiotics related to penicillin for the treatment of strep throat. In case you are allergic to penicillin, your doctor will prescribe another antibiotic. Treatment with antibiotics not only relieves the symptoms and clears the infection but also reduces the chances of passing on the disease to others. Treatment for strep throat is important as untreated infection can lead to serious complications, such as:
How is strep throat treated?The treatment of strep throat includes:
What is strep throat?Strep throat is a type of throat infection caused by the bacteria called group A streptococcus. This bacteria lives in the nose and throat and may not cause symptoms in every person. Despite the absence of symptoms, the infected person can still spread the infection to others when they cough or sneeze. When the infected person sneezes or coughs, small droplets are generated that contain the bacteria. The infection spreads to others when they:
How is strep throat diagnosed?The diagnosis of strep throat is done by a healthcare provider based on your symptoms, physical examinations, and certain lab tests. Your doctor needs to collect a throat swab and send it for lab examination (rapid strep test and throat culture) to confirm that you have a strep infection. If the lab report comes positive for strep infection, your doctor will prescribe the antibiotics and other necessary medications. QUESTIONJust about any painful sore throat is caused by strep. See AnswerMedically Reviewed on 1/19/2022 References Image Source: iStock Images Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Strep Throat: All You Need to Know. https://www.cdc.gov/groupastrep/diseases-public/strep-throat.html Stead W. Patient education: Sore throat in adults (Beyond the Basics). UpToDate. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/sore-throat-in-adults-beyond-the-basics/print Brown WA. PANDAS: Nonexistent or Simply Rare? https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/pandas-nonexistent-or-simply-rare Can you survive strep throat without antibiotics?Strep throat typically goes away within three to seven days with or without antibiotic treatment. If strep throat is not treated with antibiotics, you may be contagious for two to three weeks and at a higher risk for complications such as rheumatic fever.
What happens if strep throat is untreated?If untreated, strep throat can cause complications, such as kidney inflammation or rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever can lead to painful and inflamed joints, a specific type of rash, or heart valve damage.
Can you get rid of strep by yourself?Most cases of strep throat do go away on their own. However, it is important to speak with your doctor as treating strep throat with antibiotics can help prevent serious complications.
How long does it take strep throat to go away untreated?A. Strep throat typically resolves in three to five days if untreated. Despite the short duration, antibiotic treatment is recommended to reduce the risk of complications.
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