How is strep throat detected by the doctor?

 During the doctor's physical examination, a throat culture might be taken by touching a soft cotton swab to the throat and tonsil area. Germs from the swab are smeared onto a special plate and sent to the laboratory for evaluation of strep or other bacteria. After twenty-four hours, the rapidly-growing strep germs can be identified if present in the culture. There are also rapid-strep tests available that can give results in minutes. And while the "feel better" medicines are O.K. to take before the culture or tests are obtained, taking any antibiotic prior to seeing the doctor should be avoided. Even a single dose of antibiotic can interfere with the culture results and your doctor's ability to correctly diagnose and treat the infection.

How is strep infection treated?

If a strep infection is detected, an antibiotic is prescribed. Antibiotics commonly used to treat strep throat infections include, among others, Penicillins [amoxicillin, (Amoxil, Dispermox, Trimox) , Macrolides, such as erythromycins (E-Mycin, Eryc, Ery-Tab, PCE, Pediazole, Ilosone)], azithromycin (Zithromax), and clarithromycin (Biaxin), and Cephalosporins [cephalexin (Keflex, Keftabs, Biocef )]. It is important to take the full course of antibiotics as prescribed and not to stop the medication when symptoms resolve. Prematurely discontinuing antibiotics can result in the infection being inadequately treated with potentially adverse consequences.

Why is it very important to detect and treat a strep throat?

The condition known as rheumatic fever is a disease that affects the joints and heart and is caused by untreated or inadequately treated strep infection. Rheumatic fever can cause damage to the heart valves. Fortunately, it is now uncommon in the current antibiotic era. Another complication that can occur after inadequately treated strep throat is a kidney inflammation called glomerulonephritis. This can cause decreased kidney function, and blood and protein in the urine.