How to Treat Strep Throat

Almost 20 percent of Americans have strep bacteria in their throats and are symptom-free. Strep throat does not necessarily need to be treated. However, some untreated cases can deteriorate into scarlet fever, joint disorders or heart conditions.

Things You'll Need

• Humidifiers
• Crushed Ice
• Fruit Juices
• Salt
• Acetaminophen
• Aspirins
• Mouthwash
• Thermometers
• Throat Lozenges
• Drinking Straws

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Instructions

• 1

  See your doctor for a throat culture. An instant strep throat test can tell you if you have strep throat in less than 30 minutes.

• 2

  Take antibiotics as ordered by your doctor - generally 250 mg of penicillin G orally every six hours. The penicillin family is very effective in killing the strep bacteria.

• 3

  Check your temperature twice a day, to assess the severity of your infection. (See "How To Diagnose Strep Throat.")

• 4

  Take aspirin, if you are an adult, to reduce fever and inflammation. Give acetaminophen to children as recommended by your doctor.

• 5

  Suck on throat lozenges - especially those containing menthol, benzocaine or phenol, which will help numb the throat, if you are an adult. Give children cough drops or hard candy.

• 6

  Gargle with mint mouthwash or salt water. (See "How to Gargle.") Rinse your toothbrush in mouthwash between brushings. Strep can live on your toothbrush.

• 7

  Avoid cigarette smoke and other airborne irritants.

• 8

  Drink ice-cold beverages. Try filling a glass half full of crushed ice, then pouring orange juice over the ice. Let sit for 10 minutes, insert a straw, and suck slowly, letting the icy juice rest a moment on the back of your throat.

• 9

  Add moisture to the air with a humidifier, vaporizer or by sitting in a steamy shower or bath.

• 10

  Get lots of rest.