Signs and symptoms
In general, signs and symptoms of strep throat include:
Throat pain
Difficulty swallowing
Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus
Swollen, tender lymph glands (nodes) in your neck
Fever
Headache
Rash
Stomachache and sometimes vomiting, especially in younger children
It's possible for you or your child to have many of these signs and symptoms, but not have strep throat. The cause of these signs and symptoms could be a virus, tonsillitis or other illnesses. That's why your doctor generally tests specifically for strep throat.
It's also possible to have the bacteria that cause strep in your throat without having a sore throat. Some people are carriers of strep, which means they can pass the bacteria on to others, but the bacteria no longer make them sick.
When to seek medical advice
Call your doctor if you or your child has any of these signs and symptoms:
A sore throat without a cold or runny nose
A sore throat accompanied by tender, swollen lymph glands (nodes)
A sore throat that lasts longer than 48 hours
A fever higher than 103 F in older children, or any fever lasting longer than 48 hours
Rash
Joint pain
Problems breathing or difficulty swallowing anything, including saliva
Call your doctor if you or your child doesn't feel better after taking antibiotics for 24 to 48 hours. Sometimes problems occur even after you or your child has finished treatment for strep throat.
Call your doctor if your child develops a fever — or has pain or swelling in the joints, shortness of breath or a rash — after a strep infection, even as long as three weeks after a strep infection. These can be indicators of rheumatic fever. Cola-colored urine after a strep throat infection may indicate kidney inflammation.
Self-care
In most cases, antibiotics will quickly wipe out the bacteria behind the infection. In the meantime, try these tips to relieve symptoms of strep throat:
Get plenty of rest. Sleep helps your body fight infection. If you have strep throat, stay home from work if you can. If your child is ill, keep him or her at home until there's no sign of fever and he or she feels better.
Drink plenty of water. Keeping a sore throat lubricated and moist eases swallowing. Drinking plenty of water also helps prevent dehydration.
Eat soothing foods. Foods that are easy on a sore throat include broths, soups, applesauce, cooked cereal, mashed potatoes, soft fruits, yogurt and soft-cooked eggs. You may even want to puree foods in the blender to make them easier to swallow. Very cold foods such as sherbet, frozen yogurt or frozen fruit pops also may be soothing. Avoid spicy foods or acidic foods such as orange juice.
Gargle with warm salt water. For older children and adults, gargling several times a day can help relieve throat pain. Mix 1/4 teaspoon of table salt in 8 ounces of warm water. Be sure to tell your child to spit out the liquid after gargling.
Use a humidifier. Adding moisture to the air can help ease discomfort. Moisture keeps mucous membranes in your throat from becoming dry and even more irritated. Choose a cool-mist humidifier and clean it daily, because bacteria and molds can flourish in some humidifiers. Saline nasal sprays also help to keep mucous membranes moist.
Stay away from irritants. Cigarette smoke can irritate a sore throat and increase the likelihood of infections such as tonsillitis. In addition, avoid fumes from paint or cleaning products, which can be irritating to your throat and lungs.
Plan low-key activities for a sick child. If your child tests positive for strep throat, he or she should take antibiotics for at least 24 hours before returning to school or child care. When staying home with your child, plan some low-key activities that you both can enjoy. These can be things you don't normally have time to do, such as reading a favorite book aloud.
2007-02-17 12:32:17
·
answer #1
·
answered by Stephanie F 7
·
0⤊
0⤋
Not at all... Probably you just wasn't wearing the warm clothes while going outside... Especially hat... Not many people know that nose, throat and ears are connected... So, if one of this things hurts, so... another two will hurt too.... So, try to drink hot milk before you go to sleep.... Or tea (with herbs is the best!!!)... And massage for your forehead is also perfect!!!
PS: "Put some HOT HOT water in the bowl, then while it's hot, try to breath with this air... But put a towel on your head, so it can cover you and the bowl - you will see the result..."
2007-02-17 12:37:37
·
answer #2
·
answered by Anonymous
·
0⤊
0⤋
STREP (not stryp) throat can cause a sore throat, usually indicated by white patches at the back of the throat, however positive diagnosis can only be obtained by taking a throat swab, culturing it for 48 hours and seeing if the bacteria grows.
A sore throat and nose can also be caused by numerous viruses. Sounds like you have a cold.
2007-02-20 16:17:40
·
answer #3
·
answered by nerdy girl 4
·
0⤊
0⤋
Probably not, Strep has white spots @ the back of your throat, gives you a high fever. a sinus infection, hurts around your eyes, hurts more when you lean forward..maybe allergies that has stopped up your nose and is draining down your throat causing it to become sore.
2007-02-17 12:33:38
·
answer #4
·
answered by jst4pat 6
·
0⤊
0⤋
Noone on yahoo.com is going to know that for sure.
Go to the doctor.
Until you go, stay rested. Drink lots of fluids and buy some over the counter medication. Some drops for a sore throat too.
Get to the doctor soon!
2007-02-17 12:29:59
·
answer #5
·
answered by Anonymous
·
0⤊
0⤋
Open your mouth and look in the mirror if you have white spots on your throat and you can't swallow then yes it is step throat.You may just have a sinus infection.If you have any Tylenol sinus try that.I suggest a Dr apt on Monday if it is not any better
2007-02-17 12:32:47
·
answer #6
·
answered by Dew 7
·
0⤊
0⤋
Its possible, get your doctor to do a throat culture, its a simple lab test and the best way to get the diagnosis.
2007-02-17 12:29:36
·
answer #7
·
answered by ? 3
·
0⤊
0⤋
Possibly. Do you have white spots in your throat? Have a throat culture done and you will know for sure.
2007-02-17 12:30:46
·
answer #8
·
answered by redunicorn 7
·
0⤊
0⤋
STREP> probably not....it's a tricky virus but...see if you have white puss pockets in the back of ur throat???? if u do go see ur doctor for a STREP. test! it's contagious!
2007-02-17 12:32:45
·
answer #9
·
answered by LUCY 2
·
0⤊
0⤋
COULD BE STREP, BUT I THINK THAT YOU MAY HAVE A SINUS INFECTION
2007-02-17 12:29:12
·
answer #10
·
answered by SEXICUTE 2
·
0⤊
0⤋