Streptococcal throat infection is a bacterial disease, which can cause inflammation and swelling in the throat. It is a bacterial infection which is often seen in young children and the elderly. This article provides information about home remedies for strep throat and includes natural alternatives to antibiotics which are effective fighting this condition.
What is a Streptococcal Throat Infection?
A streptococcal throat infection is an infection of the throat caused by a type of bacteria called Streptococcus. The most common cause of streptococcal throat infections in children is Hib, which is a type of bacterial meningitis. Symptoms of a streptococcal throat infection can include sore throat, fever, and difficulty breathing. If left untreated, a streptococcal throat infection can lead to pneumonia.
If you think that you may have contracted a streptococcal throat infection, be sure to see your doctor as soon as possible. There are many treatments available for streptococcal throat infections and your doctor will be able to determine the best course of action for you.
Symptoms of a Streptococcal Throat Infection
There are many symptoms of a streptococcal throat infection, but they can range from mild to severe. Here are the most common symptoms of a streptococcal throat infection:
-Redness and swelling in the neck
-Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
-A headache
-Nausea and vomiting
-Distinctive odor to breath or saliva
-A hoarse voice.
Home Remedies for a Streptococcal Throat Infection
If you are experiencing a strep throat infection, there are many natural remedies that can help ease the symptoms. Here are some of the most popular home remedies for strep throat:
Here are seven of the best home remedies for strep throat:
1. Gargle with warm water and salt: Add 1 teaspoon of salt to 8 ounces of warm water, and gargle the solution several times a day to relieve throat pain and help speed the healing process.
2. Drink lots of fluids: Drink plenty of fluids to help flush the bacteria out of your system and relieve symptoms. Try drinking clear liquids (rather than sugary or alcoholic drinks), as these will help keep your throat moist.
3. Take ibuprofen: If you experience moderate to severe pain, take ibuprofen to reduce inflammation and provide relief. Do not take ibuprofen if you have a history of heart problems or liver problems, as it may be harmful in these cases.
4. Eat ginger: Ginger has been shown to be effective in relieving pain and inflammation caused by strep throat, so eat some fresh ginger or take some ginger supplements to relieve your symptoms.
5. Try probiotics: If you have been taking antibiotics, you may want to try to restore the healthy bacteria in your gut prior to taking more medication. Probiotics can help replenish the good bacteria in your body and provide relief from strep throat and its symptoms.
6. Drink cranberry juice: Cranberry juice has been shown in studies to improve immunity by protecting the cells of your immune system that are damaged by strep germs.
7. Avoid alcohol: As with many illnesses, drinking too much alcohol can only worsen your symptoms of strep throat and make matters worse (as well as increase your risk of developing alcohol poisoning).
8. Use olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a soothing remedy on your sore throat, and the antioxidants in olive oil (especially vitamin E) can help boost your immune response to strep germs.
9. Rest: It’s important to avoid any higher-level activity such as work or school for at least 24 hours, if not longer, after you develop a fever . While it may be tempting to go through your day like nothing happened, this is the worst thing you can do for yourself!
10. Apply warm compresses: If you’re feeling too sick to sleep due to strep throat, try applying heat directly on your sore throat or on any swelling or pain associated with strep sores. You can also try wrapping a hot water bottle over your neck and chest ( or both) for about 20 minutes.
11. Get to a doctor: If your symptoms persist, seek medical advice from your primary care physician or go to the emergency room . And remember that all of these suggestions apply equally well to those with strep throat who are vaccinated against it (though it’s still better to be safe than sorry).
12. Don’t ignore signs of complications: Antibiotic resistance is rising and is a real threat, so watch out for signs of complications like hearing loss , which can cause difficulties with communicating and understanding others.
Disclaimer
The best way to prevent a streptococcal throat infection is to keep your hands clean and avoid contact with saliva or mucus. You can also gargle with warm water and salt to fight the infection. If you do get sick, drink plenty of fluids and take over-the-counter medication to relieve symptoms.
Yojna Aggarwal 
Health News