How to say if you have a strep throat?

Here's everything you should know before going to a doctor for the dreaded strap test.

I remember when I was younger and had a sore throat I had to go to the doctor to do a strep culture where the doctor took a swab from the back of my throat with a supersized Q Tip. Most of the times the results came out negative. I always wondered how can we tell whether we have a strep or just a bad sore throat. I got the answer from ENT specialist Dr Subrata Das. Here's everything one should know before going to a doctor for the dreaded strap test.

Strep throat is a bacterial infection: Strep throat is a bacterial infection that leads to an inflammation of the pharynx. The strep bacteria make its way to the throat from the mouth and nose and cause the infection. While strep is caused by bacteria, sore throat is caused by a viral infection.

Strep throat feels like a sore throat at first: A sore throat which typically develops within five days of being exposed to the bacteria is one of the most common symptoms of a strep throat. You will find it painful to swallow and your throat will be sore and swollen. More severe symptoms of a strep throat include sudden fever, muscle aches, headache, chills, loss of appetite and swollen lymph nodes. Also, find out if throat lozenges work for sore throat.

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A strep test is important: It is okay to let your throat run its course if you have a viral infection but if you have a bacterial infection, the earlier you show the doctor the sooner you can get the antibiotics and start feeling better.

You cannot see the strap for yourself: You may try to look into the pharynx and see if it is red and swollen but those symptoms also occur if you have a viral infection. So it is important to get the test done and treat it properly. You have to try this fenugreek seeds remedy for sore throat.

Isolate yourself for a while: Isolate yourselves for 24 hours after you start taking the antibiotics to not spread it to your colleagues and loved ones. Strep spreads through bacteria so just coughing near someone can spread the infection.