Strep throat

What is strep throat?

Symptoms of strep throat

Prevention / remedies / cures / treatment for strep throat

References

What is strep throat?

Strep throat (streptococcal pharyngitis, streptococcal tonsillitis, streptococcal sore throat) is a bacterial infection of the throat (pharynx, the area at the back of the throat). It can also affect the tonsils and the larynx (voice box).

Strep throat is usually caused by the strain of bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes, though other bacteria in the Streptococcus genus can also cause it. Bacteria such as Fusobacterium can cause similar symptoms.

The bacteria is contagious and can easily spread to others through close contact with an infected individual. The incubation period before the start of symptoms is 1 to 3 days after contact with an infected person.

Strep throat is the cause of 15-40% of sore throats among children, and 5-15% of cases in adults. It is most common among children aged 5 to 15 years. Eleven million people are diagnosed each year in the USA. (1)

The symptoms of strep throat are often sufficient for a diagnosis, but it is important not to confuse it with a viral infection as the treatments are different. A definitive diagnosis is made with a throat culture.

If left untreated, strep throat can lead to additional more severe complications including rheumatic fever, retropharyngeal abscesses or kidney inflammation. It is important to diagnose and apply appropriate remedies at the earliest possible stage for a safe and speedy recovery.

Symptoms of strep throat

• Sore throat, painful scratchy feeling in throat. Inflammation in throat.
• Absence of a cough (little or no coughing).
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Red and swollen tonsils.
• Red spots on the soft or hard palate and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. Palatal petechiae (red dots on the back of the roof of the mouth).
• Fever (including raised temperature).
• Swollen and tender cervical lymph nodes, though this may also indicate a viral infection such as infectious mononucleosis.

Less common symptoms

• Nausea or vomiting.
• Headache.
• Abdominal pain, stomach ache.
• Fatigue, muscle pain.

Does Not have

• Strep throat is unlikely if the following symptoms are also present: red eyes, runny nose, coughing, diarrhoea, mouth ulcers, no fever (normal temperature).

Prevention / remedies / cures / treatment for strep throat

Several natural remedies have been identified that are particularly effective in treating strep throat. They include natural remedies and supplements that eliminate the infection and reduce inflammation.

If you use any of these remedies, please come back next week (or whenever you have an outcome) and let us know about your experience. Please add your comment.

• With no treatment, a strep throat usually resolves within 3 to 5 days. (1)
• The conventional medical treatment that doctors will offer for strep throat is antibiotics, which typically shortens the duration of the illness by about 16 hours. Antibiotics may be used if there is a risk of complications.
• Gum turpentine.
• Kerosene.
• Garlic is a powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory.
• Cayenne pepper is a pungent spice with powerful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial capabilities.
• Iodine. Used as a gargle, and taken internally.
• Apple cider vinegar is a powerful treatment with many healing properties.
• Salt gargle.
• See details of remedies recommended by Grow Youthful visitors, and their experience with them.

References

1. Choby B A. Diagnosis and treatment of streptococcal pharyngitis. Am Fam Physician, March 2009. 79 (5): 383-90. PMID 19275067.