Ever felt a sudden tickle in your throat that quickly turns into a burning pain? It worsens when you swallow or at night while trying to sleep. Though it may feel like a typical cold, it isn’t always caused by a virus.
Another possible explanation is strep throat, a bacterial infection also known as streptococcal pharyngitis. This condition can lead to a severe sore throat, fever, and swollen glands, making it more than just an ordinary irritation.
In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Vikas Mittal, Pulmonologist, Director – Wellness Home Clinic and Sleep Centre, Paschim Vihar, Delhi, sheds light on strep throat in detail, discussing the duration of illness, recovery tips, and how it is different from a sore throat caused by a viral infection.
Also Read: “I Have A Bacterial Cold, Am I Contagious?” Know What A Doctor Has To Say
What Causes A Strep Throat?
Strep throat is a common bacterial infection that affects the throat and tonsils. It is caused by the Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus) bacteria and spreads easily through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or touching contaminated surfaces, explains Dr Mittal.
When an infected person coughs or sneezes, tiny droplets carrying the bacteria enter the air, making it easy for others to inhale them. Touching shared surfaces, such as doorknobs, utensils, or phones, can also transfer the bacteria if hands are not properly washed.
How Long Does Strep Throat Typically Last?
Without treatment, strep throat usually lasts 7-10 days. However, if antibiotics are taken promptly, symptoms start improving within 24-48 hours, and the infection clears up in about 5-7 days.
Early antibiotic treatment not only speeds up recovery but also reduces the risk of complications and prevents the spread of the infection to others.
Does Strep Throat Resolve On Its Own Or Should You Seek Treatment?
Although strep throat can sometimes go away on its own, seeking medical treatment is strongly recommended, says Dr Mittal. Taking antibiotics helps to:
- Reduce the severity and duration of symptoms.
- Prevent serious complications like rheumatic fever (which can damage the heart) and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (a kidney disease).
- Lower the risk of spreading the infection to others.
- Without antibiotics, the infection may linger longer and increase the chances of complications.
Therefore, seeing a doctor and starting antibiotics as soon as strep throat is diagnosed is the best course of action.
Also Read: Pain In Throat: Follow these 8 Ayurvedic Remedies for Instant Relief
How To Recognise Strep Throat And Differentiate It From A Viral Infection?
While strep throat is a bacterial infection, a viral sore throat is caused by a virus. It is important to differentiate between a bacterial and viral infection, as the treatments for both illnesses are different.
Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics, which are ineffective against a viral infection. Using antibiotics for a viral illness can lead to antibiotic resistance, which is estimated to have been directly responsible for 10.27 lakh global deaths in 2019 and contributed to 40.95 lakh deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Some of the key symptoms of strep throat include:
- Sudden, severe sore throat, especially when swallowing
- High fever (above 101°F or 38.3°C)
- Red, swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or pus
- Painful, swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- No cough, runny nose, or sneezing (unlike viral infections)
- Tiny red spots (petechiae) on the roof of the mouth
- Bad breath and headache
Some of the key characteristics of a viral sore throat include:
- Gradual onset of throat pain
- Runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing
- Cough and hoarseness
- Mild fever or no fever
- Watery eyes and fatigue
Home Remedies To Treat Strep Throat
While antibiotics treat bacterial infections like strep throat, certain home remedies can help relieve discomfort. These include:
- Warm saltwater gargles to reduce throat inflammation and kill bacteria
- Honey and warm tea to soothe throat irritation
- Cold or warm fluids, such as broth, herbal tea, or ice chips, to keep the throat hydrated
- Humidifier or steam inhalation to keep the throat moist and reduce pain
- Lozenges or throat sprays to provide temporary pain relief
- Over-the-Counter (OTC) pain relievers to reduce fever and throat pain
- These remedies, along with rest and proper hydration, can make recovery more comfortable.
Conclusion
Strep throat is a bacterial infection which can be confused with viral sore throat. While both can be painful, strep throat requires medical assistance and treatment with antibiotics, whereas viral sore throat gets better on its own without any treatment. Usually, strep throat lasts 7-10 days without treatment, whereas with treatment, it resolves in about 5-7 days. However, it is best to consult a medical professional for the best course of treatment and management.
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