What is strep throat?

Strep Throat is an infection in the throat caused by the a bacteria called streptococcus.   Strep is infectious.

The risk of passing strep throat from one person to another can be reduced by some simple actions, such as:

• Washing hands frequently and well, especially after nose blowing or sneezing and before handling foods
• Disposing of used tissues properly

What are its symptoms?
It is most commonly characterized by a very sore throat and fever.

When to see your doctor
If your sore throat lasts more than three days, your doctor can use a “rapid strep test” to swab the throat and tonsils and get results within 10 minutes.  If home remedies haven’t worked let your doctor take it from there.

If untreated, a strep throat can lead to serious complications, such as rheumatic fever.  Strep is typically treated with antibiotics in an attempt to kill the bad bugs.

Home remedies for strep throat

Does it hurt to swallow?  A sudden, severe sore throat – especially if it strikes with a fever and swollen glands – is the hallmark of a strep infection.  Caused by streptococcus bacteria, it affects one in three school kids each year and accounts for 10% of all sore throats in adults.

By itself, strep is very uncomfortable but it isn’t a major worry.  But left untreated it can lead to rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that sometimes damages the heart, joints and brain.

To sail through strep season safely, here are some home remedies:

Chicken soup
Grandma’s sore throat remedy – chicken soup – really does ease the pain for a lot of people.  Try warm chicken soup with honey and lemon for family members who have sore throats.  They are very southing.

Gargle with salt and warm water
Another home remedy is a gargle made with 1 Tbs. of salt dissolved in 1 cup of warm water.

Avoid throat-irritating smoke and fumes
If you have a sore throat from strep or any other cause, stay away from secondhand smoke.  It will only make it worse.  Studies do confirm that smoke actually increases the risk of strep infections.

Also, steer clear of fumes for household cleaners (especially aerosol sprays and fresh paint.

Popularity: 11% [?]