Strep Throat

Strep throat is a common illness in people of all ages, especially children. If you are worried that you or your child may have strep throat, you need to visit a doctor as soon as possible. At Prime Medical Associates in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, we treat strep and other conditions like it. Make an appointment to come in, and a doctor will test you for the illness. Then, once a diagnosis is made, proper treatment can begin. We can help you or your child feel better in no time.

Symptoms

It’s important to learn about the symptoms of strep throat so you can watch out for it if you or your child feels sick. The first sign of this illness is a sore throat, especially when swallowing. Then, you can expect a wide variety of other issues, such as red or swollen tonsils, pus in the back of the throat, fever, nausea or vomiting, headache, rash, body aches, and a general unwell feeling.

However, other illnesses can cause these symptoms, so it’s important to visit your doctor if you start to experience any of these problems.

What Causes Strep?

Unlike a common cold, strep is a bacterial infection caused by the Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. That means that it’s incredibly contagious. It can be transferred from person to person via airborne droplets or by sharing food or drink. Therefore, if you are diagnosed with strep, it is important to stay home until you receive treatment.

Who Is at Risk?

Although anybody can get strep, it is most common in young children who are often in social environments. Because it is highly contagious, it tends to spread more in the early spring and late fall. During these times, you should make sure to wash your hands and practice preventative measures to better ensure your health.

Treatment Options
Like most bacterial infections, strep is treated with an antibiotic. Your doctor at Prime Medical Associates in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, will determine which antibiotic is right for you based on your medical history and symptoms. You might also receive advice that can help eliminate or reduce the pain or discomfort so that you can feel better while you begin your treatment. That way, you or your child can ensure a speedy recovery and be back to feeling normal in no time.

Possible Complications if Left Untreated

While doctors can cure strep relatively easily, it can have serious consequences if left untreated. These include the spread of the infection to other areas of the body, kidney inflammation, scarlet fever, and rheumatic fever. All of these issues are more serious than strep throat, so it’s important to take care of the issue as soon as it arises to prevent any complications.

Come visit us at Prime Medical Associates if you suspect that you or your child might have come down with strep. We will conduct the appropriate tests and then get you the treatment you need to feel better. Come see us in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, today.