Sore Throat
Most sore throats are caused by a virus and are unresponsive to antibiotics. The best treatment is rest, proper nutrition, acetominophen for fever, and gargling with salt water. Allergic Rhinitis with chronic drip can also cause irritiation of the throat.
Strep throat
Many people with a sore throat are concerned about Group A streptococcal infections, a.k.a. "strep throat." Strep throat can affect people of any age but it is most common in the 5 to 11 age group. Children with strep infections may develop the uncommon yet serious complication of Rheumatic Fever if antibiotic treatment is not started early. For most adults antibiotic treatment can shorten the duration of symptoms and provide relief.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of strep throat include sore throat, fever, headache, abdominal pain, and enlarged tonsils. A strep throat infection with an accompanying rash is commonly known as Scarlet Fever.
Although it is sometimes difficult to differentiate between a viral infection and strep throat, there are many clues. When someone has strep throat, symptoms above the neck are usually confined to the throat. With a viral infection there may be accompanying laryngitis, congestion, runny nose, and/or eye itching or irritation. Cough is also common in viral infections and rare in strep throat. Fever, malaise, body aches, and headache are common in both.
Treatment
Penicillin is most commonly used to treat strep throat.
