i absoloutely dread strep test, and now i have the worst sore throat i've ever had. It is so swollen my neck actually looks bigger. And I almost can't swallow. The last thing i can even think about is a strep test, so if you know anything that i could do instead, even a blood test, please let me know. And if i do have to get it, is there anything i can do before hand to ease the pain?
2007-01-18 07:59:08 · 8 answers · asked by because7_8_9 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
Registered Nurse here; No Sweetie there is no other strep test for the throat, they all require a swab of the tonsil's or sides of the throat. Don't know of anything you can take that would not interfere with the swab test itself. If you used a throat spray such as choloraseptic, this would affect the test. Therefore I strongly encourage you to let the physician or nurse know how uncomfortable you are with this procedure. The doctor may very well provide you with viscous xylocaine to gargle with immediate prior to the test. This numbness the throat, relieves the pain, and takes away the misery of a sore throat, however it's short lived, about 30 to 45 minutes. During which time you do not want to eat or drink anything for the possibility of choking is greater for you have no feeling wherever the xycolcaine connects with the throat tissue.
2007-01-18 08:06:59 · answer #1 · answered by Strawberry Pony 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is no other option since the strept bacteria is isolated in the throat and doesn't get in the blood stream unless you have a full body infection.
The doctor can treat you clinically (no tests) is you have the 4 or 5 of the following symptoms:
- sore throat
- no cough
- fever
- swollen lymph nodes ('glands')
- exudate (white junk on the tonsils)
This means you have a 60% or so chance of having it and that may be good enough to get antibiotics.
As a patient you have the right to refuse any test or treatment you want.
2007-01-18 08:07:55 · answer #2 · answered by n_m_young 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only test done to diagnose strep throat is a throat culture. The only way to obtain a throat culture specimen is to swab the throat. I'm not sure why you dread it so much. It's quick. Go ahead and schedule one very soon. In the meantime, try OTC Cepachol throat spray or any other spray that provides a mild anesthetic effect. This will ease but not eliminate the pain.
FYI: Since my colleague and I disagree on whether or not you can use a throat spray prior to the test, contact your provider and ask about this when you schedule your appointment.
2007-01-18 08:06:39 · answer #3 · answered by TweetyBird 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Sorry, the throat swab is your only option. To ease the swelling you could try some Popsicles to soothe your sore throat.
2007-01-18 08:16:04 · answer #4 · answered by froggi6106 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No other option that I know of. The swap is very quick. Chloroseptic spray may help but, it may also mess up the test. Good luck, I've felt your pain.
2007-01-18 08:03:47 · answer #5 · answered by major b 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask the doc if you can hock up a loogy on the swab instead.
2007-01-18 08:01:47 · answer #6 · answered by Fil D 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Nope.
2007-01-18 08:02:08 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2007-01-18 23:25:29 · answer #8 · answered by Karunya 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋