Sometimes when we have a sore throat, it's really annoying, isn't it? We don't feel like eating or drinking, we have trouble talking, and sometimes we just feel like we can't stand it. So, there's a special test that doctors do to find out exactly what's causing this sore throat. That's what we call a `Throat Culture`. Simply put, this is to identify the type of germs in the back of your throat. Let's talk about this in more detail today, okay?
At what time do you do this throat culture?
A doctor will usually order a throat culture if you have a sore throat, medically known as pharyngitis. This test can help determine the exact cause of your sore throat.
Imagine, you have a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and perhaps a fever. The doctor will examine your throat and possibly decide to do this test. Because there can be many reasons for a sore throat.
Why do I need this Throat Culture?
Now you may be wondering, "Why do I need to do so many tests for this sore throat?" Actually, this `Throat Culture` is a type of test that looks for bacteria. Most of the time, sore throats we get are caused by viruses. They usually go away on their own in a few days.
However, sometimes a sore throat can also be caused by bacterial infections and fungal infections. That's when a throat culture becomes very important. This is especially important to identify a condition called Strep Throat, which is caused by the bacteria Group A Streptococcus.
Your doctor may suspect strep throat if you have any of these symptoms:
- Stomach ache
- Fever
- Headache (headache)
- Appetite
- Pain and difficulty swallowing
- Small red spots on the roof of the mouth (`Petechiae`)
- Swollen lymph nodes
- If the tonsils are red, and perhaps have white spots
Also, if you have a skin rash and a swollen tongue, your doctor may suspect scarlet fever.
However, if you have these symptoms along with a sore throat, it's most likely a viral infection:
- Cough
- Hoarseness of voice
- Redness of the eyes, eye disease (`Conjunctivitis`)
- Cold, runny nose
- Sneezing
What diseases can be identified with a throat culture?
This test helps doctors diagnose several conditions, including:
- `Diphtheria`
- Gonorrhea (may also cause throat infections)
- `Rheumatic Fever` or `Scarlet Fever`
- Strep Throat - This is a bacterial tonsillitis infection.
- Thrush (a fungal infection of the mouth and throat)
- Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
What do you need to know before doing a throat culture?
Before you have this test, your doctor will explain how it is done. It is not painful, but you may feel a slight tingling or nausea for a few seconds when the swab is placed on the back of your throat. This is nothing to worry about.
If you are having this test done on a young child, the doctor will probably ask you to hold the child still. You can hold the child on your lap or hold their hand.
It is important to tell your doctor if you have recently taken antibiotics or used mouthwash, as these can affect the test results.
How do you do a throat culture?
This test is very simple and quick to perform. The doctor will do the following:
1. You will be asked to tilt your head back a little.
2. Then, they are asked to open their mouth wide and make an "aah" sound. Sometimes, a flat piece of wood (a tongue depressor) can be used to push the tongue down a little. This will allow you to see the inside of the throat better.
3. Next, take a cotton swab and gently rub it against the back of your throat and tonsils to collect a sample of cells.
4. Finally, the cotton swab is carefully placed in a sealed tube designed to prevent germs from entering.
All this will take just a few seconds. No time to think, it's done!
Sometimes, the doctor can also perform a throat washout to collect a sample. He or she will ask you to gargle with salt water and put it in a cup. This method can collect a slightly larger sample.
What happens after a throat culture?
Okay, now what happens after the sample is taken? The doctor carefully packages the sample in a sterile container and sends it to the lab. There, the lab technicians put the sample in a special tray or sterilized container and add some chemicals to it. Do you know why? To see if bacteria or fungi grow.
Typically, results are available in about two days for bacteria. For fungi, it can take up to seven days.
A "negative throat culture" result means that no bacteria or fungi have grown.
A "positive" result (`Positive Throat Culture`) means that bacteria or fungi have grown in the sample.
If your result is positive, the lab will further test to see what type of bacteria or fungus it is. Using that information, your doctor will plan the right treatment for you.
Your doctor will often prescribe medications such as antibiotics to treat the infection. They may also prescribe painkillers such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce sore throat pain and other symptoms.
What is a Rapid Strep Test?
Sometimes, if your doctor suspects strep throat, they may do a rapid strep test before or instead of a throat culture. This takes about 20 minutes. The doctor will take a swab from the back of your throat and test it to see if there are any bacteria in it.
If this `Rapid Strep Test` shows that you have a bacterial infection, your doctor can start you on antibiotics right away. However, even if this test shows that you do not have a bacterial infection, sometimes your doctor may do a `Throat Culture` to confirm the result.
What are the benefits of a throat culture?
This test is said to be very safe. Also:
- It's very helpful in determining whether you have a bacterial or fungal infection.
- It can be done quickly.
- Almost no pain.
Are there any risks or complications of a throat culture?
There are no known risks or complications associated with this test.
However, one thing to remember is that it is not advisable to perform a throat culture on someone who has a condition called `Acute Epiglottitis`, where the upper part of the throat (called the epiglottis) suddenly swells. This is because performing this test at such a time can further increase the difficulty in breathing. That is why doctors are concerned about it.
How long does it take to recover after a throat culture?
There is no specific recovery time for this. You can continue with your daily activities immediately after the test.
When can I eat and talk after a throat culture?
You can eat, drink, talk, and do all other normal activities right after the test. There are no problems.
When should I see the doctor again?
If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, be sure to see your doctor again. Also, tell your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms during or after treatment:
- If you have difficulty swallowing food.
- It's okay if you develop a new fever, or if your existing fever gets worse.
- If you have a fever with a severe headache or neck pain.
- If the pain doesn't subside after taking medicine.
- If the throat pain is only on one side.
Finally, things to remember (Take-Home Message)
When you have a sore throat, it's hard to know if it's just a simple infection or something more serious. That's when a ``Throat Culture'' comes in handy. It's a painless, simple test that takes just a few minutes. This will help your doctor determine whether your sore throat is caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. The results are usually available within two to seven days. If you have a bacterial or fungal infection, your doctor will prescribe the right medication to help you get better quickly. So, if you have a sore throat, don't be afraid to see a doctor and get this test done if necessary, right?
` Sore throat, throat culture, throat exam, swab, strep throat, bacterial infection, viral infection, throat infection
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