Strep Throat-When To Call a Doctor

Strep Throat - When To Call a Doctor

Call 911 or other emergency services immediately if a severe sore throat (pain being an 8 or 9 on a scale of 1 to 10) occurs along with the following symptoms, especially in a small child:

Drooling
Difficulty breathing
Head pushed forward to breathe

Call your doctor today if you have:

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A severe sore throat and fever over 101°F (38.3°C) that lasts longer than 1 to 2 days.
A severe sore throat 2 to 5 days after you know you have been exposed to someone with strep.
A sore throat that is not part of a cold that lasts longer than 2 to 3 days despite home treatment.
A red rash that feels like sandpaper. This may indicate scarlet fever.
Difficulty sleeping because your throat is blocked by swollen tonsils or adenoids.

Call a doctor if the following symptoms develop 1 to 2 weeks or longer after a strep throat infection. These symptoms may indicate rheumatic fever.

Weakness
Shortness of breath
Joint pain
Raised red rash or lumps under the skin
Uncontrolled, jerking movements of the arms or legs

Watchful Waiting

Watchful waiting is appropriate if your sore throat occurs with symptoms like those of a cold such as sneezing, coughing, and a runny or stuffy nose. In general, the more coldlike symptoms you have, the less likely it is that your sore throat is caused by a strep infection. You can try home treatment if your sore throat is not severe and you have other symptoms of a cold.

Call a doctor if:

Sore throat is the main symptom and you have no improvement after 2 to 3 days.
Signs of strep throat are present.

Who to See

The following health professionals can evaluate a sore throat, do quick tests or throat cultures, and prescribe antibiotic treatment if needed:

Pediatrician
Family doctor
Nurse practitioner
Physician assistant
Internist
Otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist)

If surgery to remove chronically enlarged or infected tonsils or adenoids is suggested, you may be referred to an otolaryngologist.

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.

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Only 18.5% of Americans never floss. You are missing out on a simple way to make a big difference in the health of your mouth. Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Floss removes food trapped between the teeth and removes the film of bacteria that forms there before it turns to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Try flossing just one tooth to get started.

You are one of 31% of Americans who don't floss daily. You are missing out on a simple way to make a big difference in the health of your mouth. Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Toothbrush bristles alone cannot clean effectively between these tight spaces. Flossing removes up to 80% of the film that hardens to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Aim for 3 more days!

You are one of 31% of Americans who don't floss daily, but you're well on your way to making a positive impact on your teeth and gums. Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Toothbrush bristles alone cannot clean effectively between these tight spaces. Flossing removes up to 80% of the film that hardens to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Aim for all 7 days!

Only 50.5% of Americans floss daily, and good for you that you are one of them! Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Toothbrush bristles alone cannot clean effectively between these tight spaces. Flossing removes up to 80% of the film that hardens to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Congratulations on your good oral health habit!

SOURCES:

American Dental Association, Healthy People 2010

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