Strep throat is an illness that can suddenly make your throat feel swollen and swallowing difficult. It is uncomfortable, painful, and unfortunately, quite common.
If you have been dealing with a sore throat that will not go away, you might wonder if strep throat is the culprit. But how do doctors determine it is strep throat and not just any run-of-the- mill sore throat? That is where a strep throat test comes into play.
In this blog, we will talk about everything you need to know about strep throat and how doctors test for this common illness.
What is Strep Throat?
Strep throat is an infection caused by bacteria that makes your throat hurt and swell. It is very contagious and can affect anyone, but it is most common in kids and teens.
If you have strep throat, you may have:
- A sore throat that is more painful than normal
- Trouble swallowing
- Fever
- Swollen glands in your neck
- Red and swollen tonsils with white patches or pus
- Tiny red spots at the back of your mouth
Unlike other sore throats that are caused by viruses, strep throat needs antibiotics to get better so you do not develop further complications like rheumatic fever or kidney problems.
Since the symptoms can also happen with other sicknesses, it is important to take a test to know for sure if you have strep throat.
Testing for Strep Throat
When you visit a doctor with a sore throat, they will start with a physical examination, checking your throat for signs of inflammation or white patches. They might also feel the sides of your neck to see if your lymph nodes are swollen.
If strep throat is suspected, there are two main tests your doctor can use to confirm the diagnosis:
The Rapid Antigen Test
One of the quickest ways doctors can check for strep throat is through the rapid antigen test. This test is straightforward and does not take much time. Here is how it works:
The Swab
Your doctor will take a special stick with a soft cotton tip (think of a long Q-tip) and gently swab the back of your throat and tonsils. You might feel some discomfort during the swab, but it only takes a few seconds and is over quickly.
The Test
The cotton tip of the swab picks up samples from your throat, which might contain the bacteria causing the infection. This sample is then analyzed right there in the doctor’s office using a special kit that can detect the strep bacteria.
The Results
It can take about 15 to 20 minutes for the results of the strep throat test. If the test finds the
strep bacteria, your doctor will know you have strep throat and can prescribe antibiotics to help you get better.
The Throat Culture
Sometimes, the rapid antigen test might come back negative, but your doctor still thinks you might have strep throat based on your symptoms. When this happens, they might do a throat culture.
A throat culture includes the same throat swab as the rapid antigen test to gather a sample. However, this time the swab is sent to a lab instead of being analyzed on-site at your doctor’s office.
At the lab, the sample is placed in a special environment that allows any bacteria present to grow. This process is longer than the rapid antigen test, and usually takes around 24 to 48 hours.
If the bacteria grows during this process, it means you have strep throat. Your doctor will be notified, and they will call you to start treatment.
Why is a Strep Throat Test Important?
You might wonder why you cannot just take antibiotics for your strep throat without getting
tested and see if you get better. The reason doctors perform a strep throat test is to make sure you are getting the right treatment for your illness.
Using antibiotics when they are not needed can lead to them not working as well when you do need them in the future. Plus, untreated strep throat can lead to more serious health problems, so it is essential to know for sure if you have it.
Strep Throat Test in Dallas, TX
Suffering from a sore throat and suspect it might be strep? At Prime Internal Medicine Associates, we understand how uncomfortable and unsettling it can feel not knowing what is causing your symptoms.
That is why we offer quick and efficient strep throat tests to accurately diagnose the cause of your sore throat. With our compassionate staff and state-of-the-art facilities, you can rest assured that you are getting the best care possible.
In addition to on-site strep throat tests, we also offer electrocardiograms (EKG), pap smear testing, spirometry, STI testing, and urine drug testing.
To learn more about the services we offer or to make an appointment with one of our internal medicine doctors, contact us today at (972) 239-5445 or use our convenient online appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
