Strep Throat

What Is Strep Throat?

Strep throat is a common infection that can cause significant pain, especially in children. If you or a loved one is suffering from symptoms of strep throat, visit Sellwood Medical Clinic at one of their three offices in Portland, Oregon. Relief is possible, so call your nearest office today or use the online booking tool to schedule an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is strep throat?

Strep throat is a bacterial infection that causes significant throat pain. It’s caused by a group of Streptococcus bacteria. While anyone can develop strep throat regardless of age, it’s more common among kids ages 5-15.

That’s likely due to the close proximity kids have with their peers in school, on the playground, and in daycare settings. Strep throat spreads easily from one person to the next, and sneezing and coughing can make it hard to prevent infection in young kids.

How would I know if I have strep throat?

Throat pain is the primary symptom of strep throat, but there are other signs to look for. Some additional symptoms of strep throat include:

Fever
Loss of appetite
Chills
Headache
Trouble swallowing
Red throat with white patches

While all of these symptoms aren’t usually present with strep throat, knowing what to look for can help you identify the difference between a routine sore throat and a strep infection. When you come in for a diagnostic exam, your doctor will check your throat for those telltale white patches. A rapid strep test can determine if your sore throat is caused by a strep infection. Throat swabs also can be gathered and sent to a lab for analysis.

What can be done to treat strep throat?

The primary way to treat strep throat is by using antibiotics. These medications work to kill bacteria and can help clear up an infection within days. It’s absolutely critical that you complete the full prescribed course of antibiotics. Reinfection can be even worse than the original illness. Antibiotics can come in the form of pills, shots, or liquids. If you prefer one option over another, let your practitioner know. Self-care techniques can help soothe the discomfort of strep throat while you wait for the antibiotics to get the infection under control.

Try to get plenty of rest, and drink warm liquids like hot tea and bone broth. It’s also important to get the nutrients your body needs to thrive, especially if you’ve lost your appetite.