Strep Throat

How to Treat Strep Throat

Unlike a common sore throat, caused by a virus, strep throat needs to be treated in a more aggressive, targeted manner. In the past, doctors would test patients for streptococcus and then begin with antibiotic treatment if a positive result was found. In today’s day and age, many doctors are starting patients on antibiotics immediately, not waiting for results. This ensures a faster recovery process, if strep throat is the culprit.

Through the use of a rapid strep test, doctors are able to identify if strep throat is present within 15 minutes.

Due to the complications that can occur without proper treatment, strep throat is best treated with antibiotics. This is the fastest, most effective way to rid the body of the bacteria.

While penicillin has long been the most prescribed antibiotic for strep throat, some doctors are moving away from this and towards others such as cephalexin and cephalosporins.

There are many benefits of antibiotic treatment, including:

  • Decreased risk of complications
  • Reduce the severity of symptoms
  • Reduce the duration of symptoms
  • Reduce the chance of the infection spreading to others

Once somebody has taken antibiotics for 24 hours they are not typically contagious any longer. Additionally, within 48 hours symptoms should begin to subside.

Along with antibiotic treatment, many doctors recommend the use of throat lozenges as well as saltwater gargling. There are other home remedies for strep throat as well, such as a raw honey blend or eating ice cream to sooth the throat.

Since the use of antibiotics is so effective, many people stop taking the medication before the full course is complete. They feel better, so they don’t think they need to continue with the medication. This is a mistake, because halting the dosage could lead to additional medical concerns such as rheumatic fever. Even if you begin to feel better within one to two days, finish the entire prescription as directed by your doctor.

Due to the effectiveness, strep throat has been treated the same way for many years.