Strep Throat - Symptoms, Treatment, and Self-Testing

When suspecting strep throat, it's important to undergo a proper diagnosis to receive the right treatment. A simple and convenient method to self-test for strep throat is to use Nordictest's strep throat test. By performing a quick home test, you can get a reliable indication of whether you have strep throat and need medical attention.

What Is Strep Throat?

Strep throat, also known as tonsillitis, is an infection typically caused by viruses or bacteria and affects the tonsils. It's a common illness that can affect both children and adults. Strep throat is usually spread through respiratory droplets, such as through coughing or sneezing.

Symptoms of Strep Throat:

Strep throat can present various symptoms, and they may vary depending on whether the infection is caused by a virus or bacteria. Common symptoms of strep throat include:

Sore throat and difficulty swallowing.
Redness and swelling in the throat and tonsils.
White or yellowish coatings on the tonsils.
Swollen lymph nodes in the throat.
Fever and a general feeling of illness.
Headache and body aches.
Occasionally, there may be coughing, a runny nose, or hoarseness.

Strep Throat in Children:

Children are more susceptible to strep throat than adults. Symptoms may be similar to those in adults, but children may also experience:

Vomiting or nausea.
Abdominal pain.
Altered appetite.
Irritability and sleep problems.

Strep Throat Leading to Peritonsillar Abscess:

In some cases, an untreated strep throat infection can lead to a peritonsillar abscess. A peritonsillar abscess is a collection of pus near the tonsils, which can cause intense pain and difficulty in opening the mouth. If you experience these symptoms, it's important to seek medical help immediately.

Treatment of Strep Throat:

For mild cases of strep throat caused by viruses, rest, humidified air, and over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be sufficient. If strep throat is caused by bacteria, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics to combat the infection. It's crucial to complete the entire course of antibiotics to prevent recurrence and reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance.

Recurring Strep Throat:

If you experience recurrent episodes of strep throat, it may be necessary to investigate the underlying cause thoroughly. Your doctor may recommend additional tests and assessments to identify any underlying factors contributing to recurrent infections. In some cases, removing the tonsils (tonsillectomy) may be considered.

Treatment for Peritonsillar Abscess:

A peritonsillar abscess typically requires medical treatment. The doctor may need to drain the abscess using a sterile needle or by making an incision in the throat. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to fight the infection.

What to Eat with Strep Throat?

With strep throat, swallowing can be challenging due to pain and swelling. It's important to choose easily swallowable and soft foods to minimize discomfort. Examples of foods that may be suitable to eat include:

Chicken soup or vegetable soup.
Soft foods like mashed potatoes or rice.
Ice cream or yogurt to soothe the throat.
Water and other non-sugary beverages to stay hydrated.

Over-the-Counter Medications for Strep Throat:

There are over-the-counter medications that can alleviate strep throat symptoms. Pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce pain and fever. It's important to follow the instructions and consult a doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure about which medication is suitable for you.

Reducing the Risk of Re-Infection:

To reduce the risk of reinfection or spreading the infection to others, it's important to follow some simple measures:

Regularly wash your hands with soap and water.
Use disposable tissues or paper when coughing or sneezing.
Avoid close contact with individuals with strep throat.
Disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated.

When and Where to Seek Medical Care?

If you experience strep throat symptoms and suspect you're affected, you can use a rapid strep test in the comfort of your own home. A positive test result indicates that you have strep throat and should seek medical attention from a doctor for further assessment and possible treatment. If your symptoms worsen or you develop difficulty breathing or swallowing, seek immediate medical help.

Testing for Strep Throat:

Nordictest offers home tests for strep throat, enabling individuals to quickly and easily test themselves at home. With Nordictest's strep throat test, you can obtain a reliable result in just a few minutes. If you suspect you have strep throat and want to test yourself, you can easily order a home test from Nordictest and conduct the test in the comfort of your own home.

Being able to test for strep throat provides you with the opportunity to quickly get an indication of whether you have the illness and, if necessary, seek medical care from a doctor for proper treatment and guidance. It's important to follow the guidelines and recommendations provided by health authorities to protect your own health and contribute to reducing the spread of infections to others.