Do you have a sore throat too? It could be strep throat!

A sore throat and a runny nose are common occurrences. We often think, "Oh... it's just a cold." But not all sore throats are that simple. Sometimes, a sore throat can be a serious bacterial infection that needs to be treated. Today, we're talking about Strep Throat, a condition that's common among children.

Simply put, what is Strep Throat?

Strep throat is a bacterial infection that affects the tonsils and tonsils in our throat. It is caused by a bacteria called group A streptococcus. This bacteria can live in our nose and throat. We can easily catch it from someone who has the infection or from someone who carries the bacteria without symptoms (a carrier). Although anyone can get it, it is most common in school-age children and young adults.

Don't confuse a common sore throat with strep throat!

A sore throat is the main symptom of both. However, allergies, dry air, mucus buildup, and viral infections like the common cold can also cause a sore throat. These things can help you tell whether you have a sore throat caused by a virus or strep throat.

How is this disease transmitted?

Strep throat is a very contagious infection. The bacteria is spread through small droplets that enter the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

• By breathing air containing bacteria.
• By touching surfaces where those droplets have fallen (doorknobs, tables) and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with the same hand.
• By using items such as plates, cups, spoons, and toothbrushes used by an infected person.
• By kissing an infected person.

Symptoms start to appear within 2-5 days after you are exposed to the bacteria. If you don't get treatment, you can still spread the disease to others for up to a month. However, if you start taking antibiotics, the spread stops within about 24 hours.

What are the main symptoms?

Strep throat starts very quickly with a sore throat. These symptoms may also occur with it. If you or your child has these symptoms, be sure to see a doctor.

• A high fever of 101°F (38.3°C) or higher.
• Swollen, dark red tonsils .
• Severe pain when swallowing food and drink.
• Swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck and painful to the touch.
• White patches or pus- like patches appear in the throat or tonsils.
• Small red dots on the roof of the mouth (these are called ` petechiae` ).
• Food is tasteless .
• Stomach ache, headache, body ache.
• Nausea or vomiting (especially in young children).
• Sometimes a skin rash may occur.

Let's also learn about scarlet fever.

Sometimes people with strep throat can develop a condition called `Scarlet fever`. This is a bright red rash that spreads over most of the body. Although this was once considered a serious illness, it can now be easily cured with antibiotics. However, if left untreated, it can cause damage to the heart and kidneys.

How do you find this, Doctor?

The only way to know for sure if it's strep throat is to get a test. When you go to the doctor, he or she will ask about your symptoms and examine your throat. Then, one or both of these tests may be done. 1. Rapid strep test: This is a test that gives results in a few minutes. The doctor will gently scrape your tongue and take a swab from the back of your throat. If the result is positive, it means that strep bacteria are present. Antibiotics will be prescribed. 2. Throat culture : Sometimes, if the rapid test is negative, but the doctor is still suspicious, the sample will be sent to a lab to see if the bacteria grow. The results will take about two days to come back. This is 100% certain.

What are the treatments?

Strep throat is a bacterial infection and is treated with antibiotics . The most commonly used are penicillin and amoxicillin. If you are allergic to these, your doctor will prescribe a different type. You can take painkillers like `Paracetamol` or `Ibuprofen` for fever and pain. However, never give aspirin to children and young people. It can cause a dangerous condition called `Reye's syndrome`.

Things you can do at home until you recover

While taking medication, the following things can help reduce and relieve sore throat pain:

• Gargle with salt water: Gargle with a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water several times a day.
• Drink warm liquids: Things like tea and soup are good for your throat. Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
• Suck on cold things: Things like ice pops and ice cubes can help relieve a sore throat.
• Use honey: Honey can reduce pain and swelling.
• Eat soft, easy-to-swallow foods: Soups, porridge, yogurt, and applesauce are good. Avoid acidic drinks like oranges and grapefruit. They can irritate your throat.
• Change your toothbrush: Throw away your old toothbrush and use a new one 2-3 days after starting antibiotics.
• Get plenty of rest: Rest is essential for the body to heal.

Strep Throat, Sore Throat, Fever, Tonsils, Strep Throat Sinhala, Children's Diseases, Bacterial Infections, Antibiotics