What you may think of as just a sore throat, may turn out to be strep throat. It is important that you are able to make the distinction as strep throat is an infection that may need medical attention. Also, it is highly contagious, so you would want to be aware as early as possible to avoid spreading it. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to make your recovery smoother. Dive in to understand how to get rid of strep throat and what this condition is all about.

In This Article

What Is Strep Throat?

Shutterstock

Strep throat is a contagious infection that can spread from one person to another through the droplets released during a cough or sneeze. It is characterized by pain and inflammation in the throat. Strep throat may also be referred to as streptococcal pharyngitis. While strep throat can affect people of all ages, it is most common in children aged between 5 and 15.

Did You Know? An Austrian surgeon, Theodor Billroth, first described the streptococcal infection or strep throat in 1874.

Depending on whether you have a mild infection or a severe one, you may experience one or more of these symptoms within 5 days of coming in contact with the bacteria (1):

•  Sudden high fever
•  Loss of appetite
•  Sore throat
•  Difficulty swallowing
•  Redness in the throat along with white patches
•  Headache
•  Chills
•  Swelling of the lymph nodes located in the neck

So how do you get strep throat? Let’s find out.

What Causes Strep Throat?

Shutterstock

The bacteria commonly known as Group A Streptococcus, or Streptococcus pyogenes, is responsible for the infection in the throat and the tonsils known as strep throat.

This bacteria is often spread through respiratory droplets, and food and personal items shared with an infected person. You may also get it if you come in contact with a contaminated surface and then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes.

Though strep throat and a sore throat are different conditions, most of the home remedies that can help with sore throat are also helpful for strep throat.

How To Get Rid Of Strep Throat With Home Remedies

It is important to take adequate rest and drink plenty of water and fluids while recovering from strep throat. The following strep throat home remedies do not “cure” it, but can help ease the symptoms and aid the recovery process.

•  Take Elderberry Tea Or Supplement

Shutterstock

Elderberry, available as a supplement and as a tea, has antibacterial and antiviral effects. According to research, it can help against viral and bacterial infections, especially in the upper respiratory tract (2).

Related: 12 Health Benefits Of Elderberry, Uses, Dosage, And Recipes

•  Take Echinacea

You can take this herb as a capsule, in its liquid form, or as a tea as soon as you experience strep throat symptoms. The anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties of this herb may help to soothe your inflamed and painful throat and fight against bacterial infection (3).

Did You Know? The plant of Echinacea originated in Native America in the 18th century.

•  Load Up On Vitamin C

Research suggests that Vitamin C may give a boost to your immune system and make it easier for your body to fight off any existing infection. You can take vitamin C supplements or get your supply through dietary sources like oranges, kiwi, kale, grapefruit, strawberries, and broccoli (4).

Related: Top 39 Vitamin C Foods To Include In Your Diet

•  Honey

Shutterstock

Honey has been long used as a remedy for sore throat. Organic honey may fight off bacterial infections. It has a soothing effect on a sore throat and may help to reduce inflammation. It may also give a boost to your body’s natural immune system and aid in the recovery process. Have a tablespoon of honey as is, or add it to a warm tea (5), (6).

Related: 10 Types Of Honey: What, How, And Why Should You Know About Them!

•  Chicken Soup

Strep throat may make eating a challenging task but it is important to keep up your nutrient levels. Drinking chicken soup may help ease the symptoms of strep throat due to the combined anti-inflammatory effects of the ingredients. Though chicken soup is commonly considered a folk remedy, recent studies suggest that it may provide relief from upper respiratory infections (7).

•  Peppermint Oil

Shutterstock

Peppermint essential oil has antibacterial properties and may help to limit the severity of your strep throat infection. The menthol in it can also provide a cooling sensation in your throat and may ease inflammation. You can inhale peppermint oil through a diffuser or apply it to the skin around your temples, throat, and chest. Peppermint oil is considered to be safe when taken orally, so you can add one or two drops of it to tea or a glass of warm water and drink it for a soothing effect. Children under 2 years of age and pregnant women should not use peppermint oil (8), (9).

•  Thyme Oil Gargle

Research suggests that thyme oil may be effective in fighting oral and respiratory infections. To use it, add a couple of drops to a glass of warm water and gargle with it. Spit out the water after gargling. You can also inhale it by adding 4 to 5 drops of thyme oil to a bowl of steaming water. Children younger than 5 years of age, pregnant women, people with epilepsy or thyroid gland issues should avoid thyme oil (9).

•  Salt Water Gargle

Salt has antibacterial properties that may help you to recover from a strep throat infection quicker. It may also help to reduce inflammation and soreness. A study shows that it is greatly effective in reducing the symptoms of non-bacterial pharyngitis. While further studies are needed to establish its efficacy for strep throat, doctors often recommend it for symptomatic treatment. To do a saltwater gargle, mix one-fourth of a teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water. Take a mouthful of water, swirl it around your throat for a few seconds and spit it out. Repeat a few times a day. (10).

While strep throat is self-limiting and may clear up on its own, in rare cases it may cause certain complications.

Complications Of Strep Throat

Leaving strep throat untreated may lead to health complications like (1), (11):

•  Acute rheumatic fever
• Rheumatic heart diseaseⁱ  XA condition that damages the heart valves as a consequence of rheumatic fever and can lead to heart failure.
• Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritisⁱ  XA bacterial infection that leads to degeneration of kidney functions. It happens when the body’s immune system attacks itself.
• Bacteremiaⁱ  XAn infection that is caused by the entry of bacteria into the bloodstream, which can cause fever, chills, nausea, or a fast heart rate.
•  Cervical lymphadenitisⁱ  XAn inflammation of the lymph nodes caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses that can result in pain and enlargement of the lymph nodes.
• Endocarditisⁱ  XInflammation of the inner lining of the heart and its valves caused by germs or bacteria entering the bloodstream.
• Mastoiditisⁱ  XA bacterial infection in the mastoid bone of the skull, located behind the ear. It can lead to ear pain, fever, or swelling.
• Meningitisⁱ  XAn infection of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord caused by bacteria or viruses.
•  Otitis media
• Peritonsillarⁱ  XA bacterial infection that causes the formation of pus-filled pockets at the back of the mouth or near the tonsils. / retropharyngeal abscess
•  Pneumonia

In some cases, natural remedies for strep throat may not be enough, and you may need to seek medical attention.

When To See A Doctor

To avoid putting your health at risk, contact your healthcare professional if you experience any of the following conditions:

•  Your sore throat lasts beyond three days.
•  There are visible white patches inside your throat and your throat aches.
•  You see spots or dark red patches on the top of your mouth.
•  You have a fine, pink rash on your skin along with your sore throat.
•  You have difficulty breathing or trouble swallowing.

Once you report to the doctor, you may need to go through a few steps for an accurate diagnosis.

How To Diagnose Strep Throat

To diagnose a strep throat infection, your doctor will conduct a thorough examination of your throat and neck and look for swollen lymph nodes and signs of inflammation. He will also ask about the symptoms you are experiencing.

To confirm strep throat, your doctor may ask you to take a rapid strep test. This test involves taking a swab from the back of your throat and helps to determine if the strep A bacteria is responsible for your throat infection (11).

On the off chance that your test result comes back negative for strep, but the doctor still suspects it to be so, your sample may be sent for additional testing.

Depending on your diagnosis and certain other factors like your age, immunity level, and presence of other medical conditions, your doctor will decide your treatment plan.

Strep Throat Treatment Options

Antibiotics like penicillin or amoxicillin are the commonly prescribed medicines to treat strep throat. Your doctor may also prescribe azithromycin for you if you are allergic to penicillin-related drugs. You may become much less contagious after starting an antibiotic course and may start feeling better soon after (1). It is however important to complete the entire dosage that you have been prescribed to reduce your risk of reinfection and making the bacteria antibiotic-resistant.

Your doctor may also recommend certain over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for strep throat.

Strep throat is most often an easily treatable as well as a preventable condition. So, let’s see how you can avoid it.

How To Prevent Strep Throat

To lower your risk of contracting strep throat, do the following:

1.  Avoid or limit contact with anyone who has strep throat.
2.  Wash your hands often with soap and water if you are around someone with an active strep infection. You also need to maintain this when you visit public places as doorknobs and other objects can harbor bacteria for a while.
3.  Don’t share utensils or personal items with anyone who has a sore throat or fever.
4.  Eat immunity-boosting food to keep your immune system strong so that your body is prepared to fight any infection.

To sum up, strep throat or streptococcus pharyngitis is a contagious bacterial infection that may affect your throat and tonsils and make them feel swollen and sore. Strep throat usually resolves on its own, but in some cases, it may escalate into more serious health conditions. Doctors commonly prescribe antibiotics to treat this condition quickly and stop the communicability of the disease. Strep throat home care involves the use of some common foods, herbs, and essential oils. You can prevent contracting or spreading strep throat by following hand wash routines and maintaining quarantine.

Infographic: 5 Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Strep Throat

There is a difference between sore throat and strep. Strep throat requires medical attention, while sore throat may not. Even if you are on medication, there are several home remedies that you can try out to soothe your throat. Check the infographic below.