In this Article

• What causes a sore throat?
• What can I do at home for a sore throat?
• What is strep throat and why is it different?
• When should I seek medical care for a sore throat?
• What if I have multiple episodes of strep throat?
• Sore Throat At A Glance
• Patient Discussions: Sore Throat (Pharyngitis) - Length Symptoms Lasted
• Sore Throat Glossary
• Sore Throat Index

What if I have multiple reccurent episodes of strep throat?

There are a number of situations in which a child or adult can have reccurent positive strep tests.

1. The first, and most common, is that the strep bacteria were never eradicated in the first place. The person did not get all of the doses of the medication prescribed. Unless you take a full 7-10 day course of penicillin or erythromycin, the strep throat will not clear. Even missing a dose or two can be a problem.


2. Individuals may be "carriers" of strep (people who have strep in their throats all the time as part of their normal bacteria.) A person may be an asymptomatic carrier (a carrier who does not have symptoms of a sore throat). You may be a carrier, someone in your immediate circle may be a carrier - even your pet dog may be a carrier! The whole family should be tested for strep if it is recurrent.


3. All strep throat bacteria will be killed by penicillin. If penicillin does not get rid of your strep throat, see your doctor. In rare cases, other bacteria in the throat can secrete an enzyme (penicillinase) that breaks down penicillin. This can be overcome by using a drug that is resistant to this enzyme.

Sore Throat At A Glance

• Most sore throats are caused by viruses or mechanical causes (such as mouth breathing) and can be treated successfully at home.



• Any sore throat that has a rapid onset and is associated with a fever or tenderness of the front of the neck may be serious and should be seen by a health care professional.



• Any sore throat that causes you to have difficulty swallowing (not just pain with swallowing) or breathing should be seen by a health care professional.



• Any sore throat that lasts for more than a week should be evaluated by a health care professional.

Sore Throat (Pharyngitis) - Length Symptoms Lasted

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