We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Different Kinds of Strep Throat Remedies?

M.C. Huguelet
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 6,343
Share

The bacterial throat infection known as strep throat can be extremely painful. Luckily, there are several strep throat remedies that can lessen the duration and severity of symptoms or even prevent infection in the first place. Four of the most effective strep throat remedies are antibiotic therapy, gargling with salt water, over-the-counter painkillers, and tonsillectomy.

Once a physician has diagnosed strep throat, she will normally prescribe one of the most traditional strep throat remedies: a course of antibiotics such as amoxicillin or penicillin. These antibiotics serve two important purposes. First of all, they cut down the period a strep-infected individual is contagious from approximately two weeks to just 24 hours. Secondly, they will in some cases reduce the amount of time that symptoms persist.

Many people find that antibiotics must be supplemented with other strep throat remedies in order to manage the pain the illness causes. Gargling with salt water is a popular home remedy which soothes pain by reducing swelling of the throat tissues. For this remedy, stir approximately one-quarter teaspoon (2.08 g) of table salt into eight ounces (236.59 ml) of warm water. Take in a mouthful of this mixture and gargle with it for several seconds, tipping the head back so the solution reaches the back of the throat, and then spit it into the sink. Repeat every four to six hours while pain persists.

Also popular among strep throat remedies are over-the-counter painkillers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, as well as topical painkiller sprays. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and other oral painkillers calm uncomfortable strep symptoms by inhibiting your body’s pain detection system. Topical sprays, which are misted directly onto the sore tissues, generally contain an anesthetic ingredient which numbs the area and temporarily eliminates or reduces pain.

Tonsillectomy, or the removal of the tonsils, is generally viewed as a last resort among strep throat remedies. While the tonsils are supposed to function as a trap for viruses and bacteria, in some individuals they are prone to frequent infection by strep bacteria. As a strep throat remedy, doctors usually recommend tonsillectomy only for patients who have suffered through two or more bouts of strep in a single year. This outpatient procedure involves the surgical removal of the tonsils while the patient is under general anesthesia. While the post-tonsillectomy recovery period can be painful, having the procedure done may reduce the occurrence of strep throat infections in the future.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
M.C. Huguelet
By M.C. Huguelet
Cate Huguelet, a Chicago-based freelance writer with a passion for storytelling, crafts engaging content for a wide range of publications, including WiseGeek. With degrees in Writing and English, she brings a unique perspective and a commitment to clean, precise copy that resonates with readers. Her ability to understand and connect with audiences makes her a valuable asset to any content creation team.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
M.C. Huguelet
M.C. Huguelet
Cate Huguelet, a Chicago-based freelance writer with a passion for storytelling, crafts engaging content for a wide...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-different-kinds-of-strep-throat-remedies.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.