Strep Throat Treatment in Federal Way, WA

What is Strep Throat?

Strep throat is a highly contagious disease that comes from a bacteria called group A Streptococcus. Group A strep can live within the nose or throat without causing harm to the person the host. These bacteria only become a problem when they come into contact with an infected person.

This can happen any time and is spread through activities such as coughing, sneezing, sharing drinks, etc.

For over 30 years, Surgical Associates Northwest has provided ENT treatments and services at our ENT clinics in Auburn and Federal Way, WA. Meet with our ENT doctors to learn more about our strep throat treatment options, by calling (253) 833-4050 to schedule your consultation.

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What are the Symptoms of Strep Throat?

Symptoms of strep throat are commonly associated with other illnesses or infections.

These symptoms include:

• A sore throat
• Pain upon swallowing
• Fever
• Very swollen tonsils that may also have white or yellow spots
• Small red spots, known as petechiae, are located on the roof of the mouth
• Swollen lymph nodes on one or both sides of the neck
• Headache
• Stomach pain
• Nausea and vomiting

A cough, runny nose, and hoarseness are often wrongly associated with strep. These are signs of a different illness affecting you at the same time as strep.

Untreated cases of strep can develop to cause several serious health problems.

Those health problems include

• Infection of the tonsils, sinuses, skin, blood, or middle ear
• Scarlet fever
• Inflammation of the kidneys
• Rheumatic fever

How is Strep Diagnosed?

The first thing your ENT at Surgical Associates Northwest will do is conduct a rapid strep test.

During the test, your ENT will take a swab from the back of your throat to test for bacteria associated with strep. The rapid strep test allows your ENT to get results in a few minutes.

False negative results can occur from rapid strep tests. If the results are inconclusive, your ENT will perform a throat culture. A throat culture requires the same swab from the back of the throat. This is then placed in a Petri dish for a couple of days. If bacteria grows within the Petri dish, your ENT will likely be able to diagnose you with strep throat.

How is Strep Throat Treated?

Antibiotics is usually the best course of treatment for strep.. After 24 hours of taking these antibiotics, you will no longer be contagious. This does not mean that you should stop taking the prescribed antibiotics.

To be fully effective and prevent your strep throat from immediately returning, you must finish the entire supply of antibiotics. The prescription is usually a 10 day supply.

It is also possible to relieve common symptoms of strep throat, particularly a sore throat, by taking over-the-counter medications such as anti-inflammatories. This will help to reduce the swelling of the tonsils, which can make speaking and eating much more manageable.

Can You Prevent Strep Throat?

Practicing daily health habits are the best way to protect against strep.

These habits include:

• Frequently washing your hands
• Staying hydrated
• Get plenty of sleep
• Utilizing a humidifier
• Gargle with saltwater if you begin to notice any throat pain
• Consume foods that are easy to swallow
• Avoid potentially irritating substances like cigarette smoke or fumes from cleaning products