Strep throat, even when not a very common health issue, can be easily confused with a variety of stern diseases.
The disease can, however, get very serious if not treated properly. People can easily confuse their strep throat symptoms with the infection of COVID-19 in these times of chaos. This can lead to depression or anxiety or you can even end up hospital among COVID-19 patients for no reason.
It is, therefore, important for everyone to be aware of the distinguishable strep throat symptoms. Being aware of what can be characterized as strep throat can help in a better and earlier cure of the issue. In this article, we have jotted down some important strep throat symptoms you should know before you confuse it or take wrong precautions.
Some strep throat symptoms you should be aware of
Here are some of the most common strep throat symptoms for anyone to diagnose this condition at home with ease:
a) Pain in Throat
You can expect your throat to turn very sore all of a sudden with a pinching pain and inflammation.
b) Difficulty in swallowing
This is one of the most common strep throat symptoms but can be there in a variety of other issues too. You will feel a stinging pain in the region above the esophagus especially when trying to swallow solid foods.
c) Tonsils
You can expect the development of tonsils down your throat that is red and swollen in their visibility. In severe cases, these tonsils can also show white streaks due to puss development.
d) Spotting on the palate
Expect your oral pallet and its roof to experience some burning sensation. Usually, there are also tiny spots either in red or white on your soft and hard palates.
e) Fever
Persistent fever of 110F or above is another one of the most common strep throat symptoms.
Other symptoms may include stomach pains, nausea, vomiting, body aches, severe headache, and body rash in some cases. If you have prior allergies and other diseases you may develop other symptoms too.
Causes and risk factors
The most common cause of strep throat is a common bacteria named Streptococcus pythogenes.
Even with a short life, this bacteria has a very high rate of reproduction and passes from one to another quickly. The organism is airborne and can easily transfer via air droplets whenever someone infected sneezes or coughs. Sharing food and drinks can also become a cause of this bacteria’s spread.
It is easy to get this bacteria on your hands when you touch an inanimate object and get infected after touching your nose or mouth.
The most commonly affected and risked individuals in the case of this bacteria are young and vulnerable children. Moreover, close group contacts and spending time together can also increase the chances of this infection’s spread.
Treating Strep throat
Once you develop strep throat symptoms, the best idea is to head straight to your doctor.
Chances are that you’ll get an antibiotic course prescribed by your doctor. In general, cases, completing the course will surely get you all healthy in a few days. However, practicing home remedies and seeking another medical checkup is advisable.
Moreover, if your infection heals right in the middle of your medication, you must not stop with the course. Completing the course is necessary for your complete recovery else the disease will develop again. Hopefully, you have learned something positive and constructive after reading this three-minute read.
In case your symptoms get severe or do not get better with mild to medium treatments at home. You should always take visiting doctor seriously or else you will end up hurting yourself badly with no going back.