Did you know that a bacterial infection can cause sore throats? One type of bacteria responsible for sore throat is a streptococcal infection, also known as strep throat. Strep throat is highly contagious, and it’s important to treat it to prevent further complications.
If untreated, strep throat could lead to other illnesses and affect your overall health. However, don't worry - many home remedies will help ease the discomfort of this condition and even speed up recovery! This blog post will discuss at-home treatments for strep throat, including lifestyle changes and natural remedies like honey and garlic.
Ways to Treat Strep Throat Naturally
Get plenty of rest
Rest is important when treating strep throat; it will help your body fight the infection and reduce inflammation. Ensure you get quality sleep and take breaks during the day if needed.
Drink lots of fluids
Staying hydrated can help keep your throat moist and prevent dehydration which may further aggravate your sore throat. Try drinking warm liquids like herbal tea or soup to soothe the pain while providing essential nutrients to speed up recovery.
Gargle with salt water
A simple but effective remedy for sore throats is gargling with salt water! Mix a teaspoon of salt in one cup of lukewarm water and gently swish it in your mouth to eliminate germs and reduce pain.
Take over-the-counter medications
Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help ease the inflammation in your throat and relieve some of the discomfort. Follow the dosage instructions on the packaging for the best results.
Use throat lozenges
Throat lozenges are a great way to soothe a sore throat while relieving pain and other symptoms. Look for ones that contain menthol or eucalyptus, as they’ll provide extra comfort when you need it most!
Causes & Symptoms of Strep Throat
1. Fever: Sudden onset of fever is one of the most common symptoms of strep throat.
2. Sore Throat: Inflammation and throat pain usually indicate that you may have contracted strep throat.
3. Headache: A mild to moderate headache can sometimes be caused by strep bacteria.
4. Swollen Lymph Nodes: Swelling around your neck or jawline may occur due to an infection with streptococcus bacteria.
5. White Spots on Tonsils: Small white spots on the back of your throat indicate bacterial infection, possibly due to Streptococcal bacteria causing strep throat.
6. Cough: A dry or wet cough may indicate strep throat.
7. Abdominal Pain: Stomach aches, and abdominal discomfort can sometimes accompany strep throat.
8. Fatigue: Feeling generally weak and exhausted could indicate a strep infection caused by Streptococcal bacteria.
9. Loss of Appetite: You may find that your appetite decreases during a bout of strep throat, which can further contribute to fatigue and weakness.
10. Bad Breath: An unpleasant taste in the mouth is one common symptom associated with strep throat infections
11. Difficulty Swallowing: Inflammation of the throat can make it hard to swallow food or drinks.
How to Test for Strep Throat at Home
If you have strep throat, the first step is to verify it with a rapid strep test. Luckily, these tests can be administered in the comfort of your home and are highly accurate. You must swab the inside of your cheek or throat and send the sample to a lab for testing. Once you receive the results, following through with treatment if needed is important to prevent any further complications.
At-home treatments for strep throat are simple yet effective ways to relieve some of the discomfort associated with this condition. Get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and use over-the-counter medications to speed up recovery and reduce the risk of further complications. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor to receive the proper diagnosis and treatment.
Preventing Strep Throat
The best way to prevent strep throat is by practicing good hygiene habits, such as washing your hands regularly and avoiding contact with people who may be infected. It’s also important to avoid sharing food or drinks with others to reduce the spread of bacteria.
If someone in your household has been diagnosed with strep throat, follow their doctor’s instructions and take all medications as prescribed. Additionally, covering your mouth when sneezing or coughing can help reduce the spread of germs.
Home Remedies for Strep Throat
Supplements
Certain supplements like garlic or zinc may help fight off strep bacteria. Garlic, for example, has natural antimicrobial properties that can help reduce inflammation and fight off infection. You can take garlic in supplement form or eat raw garlic for added benefits. In addition to garlic, zinc is a great immune-boosting supplement when taken regularly.
Zinc helps stimulate the body's production of white blood cells, which are vital for fighting infections like strep throat. Finally, Vitamin C supplements may help speed up healing time from bacterial infections as they strengthen the immune system and provide antioxidants to protect your body from damage caused by free radicals.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are a natural remedy for many ailments and can be used to treat strep throat. These potent oils contain active compounds with antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties that can help treat sore throats and reduce pain. To use essential oils for strep throat, mix 2 drops of an oil like eucalyptus or tea tree oil in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil such as coconut oil.
Then apply the mixture to your skin or diffuse it into the air. You can also add a few drops of the essential oil to a cup of boiling water before inhaling the steam to relieve discomfort. Essential oils should always be diluted to avoid irritation and never ingested unless prescribed by a qualified medical professional.
Essential oils are not the only home remedies for strep throat, but they can effectively boost your immune system and help speed up recovery time. Make sure to consult with your doctor before using these natural treatments, especially if you are pregnant or have any underlying health conditions they may affect. With the right combination of medications and lifestyle changes, you can reduce the severity of strep throat symptoms and get back to feeling like yourself again!
FAQs
What kills a sore throat fast at home?
Many home remedies can help soothe a sore throat. Drinking warm liquids such as tea and soup, gargling with salt water, and taking over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen can all reduce symptoms quickly.
How long does strep throat last?
Strep throat can vary from person to person but generally lasts three to seven days. If you have been prescribed antibiotics, taking them until they are finished is important to prevent reinfection.
What is the best treatment for strep throat?
The most effective treatment for strep throat is antibiotics. These medications kill off the bacteria that cause the infection, reducing pain and inflammation in the throat. It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions and finish the entire course of antibiotics for the best results.
Conclusion
Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by Streptococcal bacteria, which can lead to more serious illnesses if left untreated. If you have strep throat, getting tested and starting treatment as soon as possible is important. Fortunately, many home remedies can help reduce symptoms of strep throat, such as drinking warm liquids, gargling with salt water, taking ibuprofen or over-the-counter medications, and using essential oils.
