Overview
Dealing with a sore throat that feels worse by the hour? If the pain is severe and accompanied by fever, it could be strep throat—a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus bacteria. Strep throat doesn’t just cause discomfort; it can interfere with your daily routine, making it hard to eat, talk, or even sleep. While there’s no instant cure, understanding how to manage symptoms and start the right treatment can help you recover faster.
Unlike viral sore throats, which typically resolve on their own, strep throat requires antibiotics for a full recovery. Knowing whether your sore throat is due to strep or another cause is essential because the right treatment depends on the diagnosis. Group A Streptococcus bacteria, which causes strep throat, is responsible for more than 10 million infections annually. Keep reading to discover how to identify, treat, and manage this infection effectively.
How to get rid of strep throat fast?
Looking for quick relief from the discomfort of strep throat? While there’s no instant cure, the fastest way to ease symptoms and recovery involves a combination of prescribed antibiotics and supportive home care. Here’s how you can effectively manage strep throat and start feeling better within 24 to 48 hours:
Prescription medications for strep throat
Antibiotics are the cornerstone of strep throat treatment. They not only eliminate the bacteria but also reduce the risk of serious complications, like rheumatic fever or kidney problems. Commonly prescribed options include:
- Penicillin or Amoxicillin: Effective first-line antibiotics for eradicating Streptococcus bacteria.
- Alternatives for allergies: If you’re allergic to Penicillin, your doctor may recommend Azithromycin or Clindamycin. Some studies show Amoxicillin is also effective against penicillin-resistant bacteria.
Completing the course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if symptoms improve early, is crucial to prevent a relapse or antibiotic resistance.
Strep throat is more than just a sore throat. Timely antibiotic treatment is essential to prevent serious complications and ensure a full recovery. – Dr. Asim Cheema at Your Doctors Online
Over-the-counter medications
While antibiotics address the infection, OTC remedies can help manage pain, fever, and throat irritation:
- Pain relievers: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Advil) can ease throat pain and reduce fever.
- Throat lozenges: These provide temporary relief by numbing the throat and soothing irritation.
- Cough syrups: If your strep throat is accompanied by coughing, certain syrups can help minimize coughing and throat discomfort.
Can you let strep throat run its course?
While strep throat might resolve on its own in some cases, it’s not recommended to skip treatment. Antibiotics are essential to:
- Shorten recovery time.
- Reduce the risk of severe complications, such as rheumatic fever or kidney issues.
- Lower the risk of spreading the infection to others.
By starting antibiotics promptly and incorporating supportive care, you can significantly speed up recovery and return to your routine sooner.
What happens if you leave the strep throat untreated?
Leaving strep throat untreated can lead to serious health complications that extend far beyond a sore throat. The Streptococcus bacteria causing the infection can spread and trigger the following:
1. Rheumatic fever: This inflammatory condition can develop weeks after untreated strep throat. It is characterized by:
- Painful and swollen joints.
- A distinctive skin rash.
- Long-term damage to heart valves (rheumatic heart disease).
2. Kidney inflammation (Post-Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis): Untreated strep throat can cause inflammation in the kidneys, leading to symptoms such as:
- Blood in the urine.
- Swelling of the face, hands, or feet.
- High blood pressure.
3. Spread of infection: The bacteria may spread to other parts of the body, resulting in:
- Sinus infections (sinusitis).
- Ear infections (otitis media).
- Abscesses around the tonsils or in the throat.
Antibiotics not only alleviate symptoms faster but also prevent these complications. If you suspect strep throat, seeking medical attention without delays can protect your long-term health and prevent these severe outcomes.
Are antibiotics necessary for strep throat?
Antibiotics are often necessary for treating strep throat because it’s a bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus bacteria. However, they aren’t always required in every case, and doctors carefully evaluate whether antibiotics are appropriate based on the severity of the infection. Antibiotics are prescribed to treat strep throat because of the following reasons:
- Speed up recovery: Antibiotics like Amoxicillin and penicillin help eliminate the bacteria, reducing symptoms faster—often within 24 to 48 hours.
- Prevent complications: Untreated strep throat can lead to serious issues like rheumatic fever or kidney inflammation.
- Reduce contagion: After 24 hours on antibiotics, the risk of spreading the infection significantly decreases.
Risks of unnecessary antibiotic use
Overusing antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, where bacteria adapt and become immune to the drugs designed to kill them. This creates “superbugs” that are harder to treat and require stronger, less accessible medications.
How can strep throat be stopped before it starts?
Preventing strep throat is primarily about avoiding exposure to the bacteria. Here are a few steps to minimize your risk:
- Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently and cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid sharing utensils: Do not share drinks, food, or personal items with someone with strep throat.
- Boost your immune system: Eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and get plenty of sleep to keep your immune system strong.
How to make strep throat feel better?
Although antibiotics are essential for treating the infection, several home remedies can help soothe the pain and discomfort associated with strep throat:
- Gargle with warm salt water: This can reduce swelling and pain in the throat.
- Stay hydrated: Drink warm fluids like tea with honey, which can ease throat pain.
- Humidify your environment: A cool-mist humidifier adds moisture to the air, reducing throat dryness.
- Eat soft foods: Avoid acidic or hard-to-swallow foods. Opt for soups, mashed potatoes, and yogurt to make swallowing easier.
When to consult a doctor?
If you experience any of the following, consult a healthcare provider without delay:
- Severe pain while swallowing.
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
- A fever that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter medications.
- Rash or white patches on the tonsils.
- Persistent symptoms that don’t improve with home treatment.
FAQs about the how to get rid of strep throat overnight
Unfortunately, there’s no way to stop strep throat when symptoms start. However, early antibiotic treatment can help minimize the severity of symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.
Several conditions mimic the symptoms of strep throat, including viral infections like the common cold, tonsillitis, and mononucleosis. Only a doctor can accurately diagnose strep throat with a quick test.
At-home strep throat tests are available, which involve swabbing the throat and testing for the presence of strep bacteria. However, these tests are not always accurate, and a doctor’s test or throat culture is recommended for a reliable diagnosis.
