In his monthly column, Dr. Kent Herbert answers your questions related to health care matters. Simply submit your question to stefaniw@newfalconherald.com. It’s your chance to ask the doc.Question: I have a sore throat and am concerned about strep throat. When should I see a doctor?Answer: Strep throat is an infection of the throat caused by the bacteria streptococcus, which gives it its name. In adults, strep throat causes a sore throat, fever and swollen neck glands. Strep throat does not cause a cough or runny nose. Children with strep throat will have a sore throat but also may have an upset stomach, vomiting and a rash. The rash is described as a “sandpaper rash” because it has fine, small bumps with redness and is worse under the arms and in skin creases.Although strep throat is common, most sore throats are not caused by strep. Bacteria only cause about 5 to 10 percent of sore throats. The rest are caused by viruses, allergies or irritation. If you have a runny nose, nasal congestion or a cough, you probably don’t have strep. In these cases, the best treatment is over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen, throat lozenges or salt-water gargles. Antibiotics will not help viral sore throats.If you do have strep throat, your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic. Antibiotics will reduce the bacteria in the throat and help the sore throat get better quicker. Even though you will feel better after a few days, it is important to finish the full course of antibiotics. Untreated strep throat can lead to several complications, such as kidney disease, and antibiotics help to prevent these. Most doctors can do a test in their office called the rapid strep test or a throat swab. These strep tests are about 97 percent accurate and can be done in five to 10 minutes.Strep throat is highly contagious and can be spread to others for up to three days. As a general rule, children with strep throat should not go back to school or day care until their fever is gone and they have taken an antibiotic for at least 24 hours. It is important to avoid sharing drinks and utensils, as this can spread strep. It is also recommended to get a new toothbrush or clean yours in the dishwasher, if you have strep, to avoid reinfecting yourself.Besides antibiotics, there are several things you can do to make strep throat feel better. Taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with the pain, but aspirin should not be used in children. Gargling with warm salt water (one-fourth teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water) can help, as can sucking on throat lozenges, hard candy or pieces of ice. Eating soft foods, drinking cool drinks or warm liquids or sucking on Popsicles can soothe a sore throat, no matter the cause.With any sore throat, it is usually all right to give it a day or two with these measures before seeing a doctor. If your sore throat continues to get worse or if it is associated with swollen glands, fever or the lack of a cough or runny nose, you should be seen by a doctor for a test or treatment.Dr. Kent HerbertBoard Certified Family PhysicianFalcon Family Medicine7641 McLaughlin RoadFalcon, CO 80831(719) 494-2006(719) 494-8448 faxwww.FalconFamilyMedicine.com
