Understanding Sore/Strep Throat
At The Emergency Center, our facility sees a variety of sore throat symptoms, ranging from a common cold to a bacterial infection like strep throat. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent complications and ensure quick recovery.
Symptoms of Sore/Strep Throat
- Scratchy Throat: often accompanied by swelling.
- Red and Swollen Tonsils: Often with white patches or streaks of pus in strep throat.
- Difficulty Swallowing: Pain or discomfort while swallowing.
- Fever: Mild to high fever, more common with strep throat.
- Headache and Body Aches: General discomfort and pain.
- Swollen Lymph Nodes: Tender, swollen nodes in the neck.
When to Go to the ER
Seek emergency care for a sore or strep throat if you experience:
Common Causes
- Viral Infections: Such as the common cold or influenza.
- Bacterial Infections: Most commonly strepto-coccus (strep throat).
- Allergies: Reaction to allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander.
- Environmental Factors: Dry air, pollution, or smoke exposure.
Diagnostic Services
We provide comprehensive diagnostic services to identify the cause of your sore or strep throat, including:
- Throat Swab: Rapid strep test and throat culture to detect bacterial infections.
- Blood Tests: To identify infections and other underlying conditions.
- Imaging: X-rays if complications are suspected, such as an abscess.
Why Choose The Emergency Center?
The Emergency Center offers immediate, specialized care for sore and strep throat, with a team of board-certified ER physicians and advanced diagnostic services. We are committed to providing prompt, effective treatment to ensure rapid recovery and prevent complications.
FAQs About Sore/Strep Throat
How can I tell if my sore throat is strep or simply a cold?
To determine if your sore throat is caused by strep or just a common cold, consider the symptoms. Strep throat often presents with a sudden, severe sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, and red and white spots on the roof of the mouth or tonsils. Cold symptoms typically include a runny nose, cough, and mild sore throat, and are usually accompanied by sneezing. A doctor can perform a rapid strep test or throat culture for confirmation.
What is the typical recovery time for strep throat with antibiotics?
With antibiotic treatment, the typical recovery time for strep throat is about 3 to 5 days. Most individuals begin to feel better within 24 to 48 hours of starting antibiotics. However, it’s important to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if you start feeling better, to ensure the infection is fully eradicated and to prevent complications. It’s also crucial to rest, stay hydrated, and manage symptoms with over-the-counter pain relievers as needed.
How is strep throat diagnosed?
Strep throat is diagnosed through a physical exam and specific diagnostic services. During the exam, a doctor will look for symptoms like redness, swelling in the throat, white patches on the tonsils, and swollen lymph nodes. To confirm the presence of bacteria, a throat swab is taken for a rapid strep test or throat culture. If needed, blood tests may be conducted to identify underlying conditions, and imaging, such as an X-ray, may be used to check for complications like abscesses.
What complications can arise from strep throat?
If left untreated, strep throat can lead to serious complications, such as rheumatic fever, which can damage the heart valves, or glomerulonephritis, a kidney condition. Other potential complications include abscesses around the tonsils (peritonsillar abscess), ear infections, and sinus infections. Timely treatment with antibiotics helps prevent these risks and ensures recovery.
How can I prevent spreading strep throat to others once diagnosed?
To prevent spreading strep throat to others once diagnosed, it’s important to take specific precautions. First, stay home from work, school, or social activities until you’ve been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours. Always cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, ideally with a tissue or your elbow. Wash your hands frequently, especially after coughing, sneezing, or touching your face. Avoid sharing utensils, cups, or personal items, and disinfect commonly touched surfaces regularly to minimize the risk of transmission.
What Our Patients are Saying About Us
My visit to the emergency center of San Antonio was amazing. I was seen right away for sciatica pain. Dr. Styskal was amazing. I was treated right away and sent home with my medication. I wish more facilities would practice this without you having to make an additional stop at a pharmacy for medication. I know five stars is the highest I can give but they deserve 100+ stars.
Lizette M. ★★★★★
I was skeptical about going to the Emergency room, because for me ER’s have a bad reputation. My experience here was one of the best experience I’ve ever had. Keith at the front desk was very nice and went above and beyond for me. I forget my insurance card and wanted to know how much my co pay would be. He looked me up with no issue, brought my a wheelchair to ease my pain, as well as started
Mecia T. ★★★★★
My first time coming here, was greeted immediately by Keith and Debbie and helped. When in the back, Nichole wasted no time getting my vitals, checking on how I was feeling, and was super friendly and comforting while doing so. Dr. Erdner was very nice, and informative. Johnny got my CT scan quickly and made the process easy, and fast. All together the staff made my visit a great experience.
Nicole D. ★★★★★