Most of us have experienced a scratchy throat that clears up in a day or two, but what is strep throat and why does it demand prompt medical attention? At Ascent Hospital which is recognised as the best ent hospital in Kerala ,our ENT team sees hundreds of strep cases every year and knows how quickly an untreated infection can escalate. In this blog you will learn how to recognise, treat and prevent strep throat so you can protect yourself and your family.

Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils caused by Group A Streptococcus. Unlike common viral sore throats, strep responds to antibiotics and can trigger serious complications if ignored. Under the leadership of Dr.Sharafudheen our hospital’s ENT specialists follow global guidelines to deliver rapid diagnosis and evidence-based care.

The infection belongs to our specialised Throat Head and Neck division, where certified ENT Specialists use high resolution video laryngoscopy to look for any signs of infection.

What is Strep Throat: The Bacterial Basics

The term “strep throat" refers to an acute infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes. The bacteria latch onto throat tissue, release toxins and generate pus-filled inflammation that hurts to swallow. Unlike viral colds, antibiotics cure strep in 24-48 hours.

Normal Throat Versus Strep Throat: Visual Clues

Examining side by side images helps parents see the normal throat versus strep throat distinctions quickly.

The Difference Between Sore and Strep Throat 

A viral sore throat accompanies sneezing, runny nose and cough. The difference between sore throat and strep throat is that strep lacks cold symptoms, presents with high fever and painful lymph nodes and requires antibiotics. Understanding this difference between sore and strep throat prevents antibiotic misuse.

Key Symptoms of Strep Throat

• Sudden severe sore throat without cough.

• Pain on swallowing and swollen tonsils.

• White patches or strep throat red spots on the roof of the mouth.

• Fever above 38 °C and enlarged neck nodes.

• Headache, tummy pain or rash in children.

Even adults who had their tonsils removed can develop strep throat without tonsils because bacteria attach to the pharyngeal wall. ENT Doctors in Ascent ENT hospital Kerala see this scenario frequently.

How Strep Spreads

Strep is airborne and highly contagious in classrooms and offices. Droplets travel up to 2 metres when an infected person talks or sneezes. Once inside, bacteria incubate for two to five days before symptoms start.

Evidence-Based Treatment

Antibiotics shorten illness, prevent rheumatic fever and cut contagion period from ten days to 24 hours. Patients allergic to certain antibiotics receive alternative medication.

Supportive care and home remedies for strep throat

While drugs kill bacteria, these home remedies for strep throat ease pain:

●      Warm salt-water gargles thrice daily.

●      Honey and ginger tea for anti-inflammatory relief.

●      Cool yoghurt or popsicles to numb the throat.

●      Humidifier to moisten air.

Remember, home remedies for strep throat do not replace antibiotics, they complement them.

Complications If Left Untreated

Untreated infection may trigger:

●      Rheumatic fever damaging heart valves.

●      Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis affecting kidneys.

●      Peritonsillar abscess needing surgical drainage.

●      Otitis media especially in kids with strep throat without tonsils.

Early care at our best hands cuts these risks dramatically.

Duration: How Long Does Strep Throat Last?

With antibiotics, patients feel better within 48 hours and contagiousness ends after 24 hours. Without treatment, strep throat pain can persist a week and complications may arise for months. Adequate hydration and rest still matter even when antibiotics work, so patients often ask again how long does strep throat last if they overexert and delay recovery.

Special Scenarios

• Strep throat without tonsils - Requires the same antibiotic dose, absence of tonsils does not prevent infection.

• Recurrent episodes - Consider tonsillectomy if seven or more infections in one year.

• Scarlet fever - Sandpaper rash plus strep throat red spots on roof of mouth.

Preventive Tips

●      Wash hands for 20 seconds.

●      Replace toothbrush after 48 hours of antibiotics.

●      Do not share utensils.

●      Keep children home for 24 hours after starting treatment.

Why Choose Ascent Hospital for Strep Throat Care?

• ISO and NABH accredited dedicated ENT facility.

• 24 hrs ENT emergency wing staffed by ENT Specialists.

• Point of care rapid strep testing for instant results.

• Paediatric-friendly clinics at Calicut and Palakkad.

• Multidisciplinary board with best ENT surgeon in Kerala

• Evidence-based care aligns with global guidelines

Take the next step toward relief

Do not ignore a painful throat. Book a same day consultation with an ENT Doctor at Ascent ENT Hospital and receive rapid testing, targeted antibiotics and holistic after-care.