How to treat strep throat?
You can manage strep throat symptoms by drinking cold fluids and using OTC pain relievers.
How long does a sore throat last?
See your healthcare provider if your sore throat lasts longer than two weeks.
Why does my throat hurt in the morning?
For example, acid reflux is more likely to cause pain that is worse in the morning and subsides later in the day. Seasonal allergies, strep throat, and mononucleosis are more likely to come with throat and ear pain that does not go away until the conditions are treated.
What causes tonsillitis?
Typical causes of tonsillitis are the common cold, mono, and strep throat. The term tonsillitis is used to describe enlarged, inflamed tonsils regardless of the underlying cause.
Why does my ear hurt on one side?
Many conditions can cause you to have ear and throat pain on just one side. For example, TMJ, an infected tooth, and sinusitis could all potentially cause ear and throat pain on only one side.
What age does strep throat hurt?
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that commonly causes throat pain, especially in children ages 5–15 years old. Other symptoms of strep throat include difficulty swallowing, white patches on the tonsils, and fever. 7
Can you treat throat pain at home?
If you have throat and ear pain, you'll probably be able to treat your symptoms at home. However, if the pain does not improve or it gets worse, you will need to consult with your doctor.
How to treat a child's ear?
The tube, which will usually fall out on its own in about 6 to 18 months, lets the fluid out and air flow through to keep the middle ear dry. Tubes also: 1 Reduce pain 2 Improve hearing 3 Cut down on the number of infections your child may have
What is the procedure to drain out ear fluid?
If an infection causes serious complications, fluid remains in the ear for a long time, or your child has ear infections that keep coming back, your doctor might want to do a procedure called a myringotomy. She creates a small hole in the eardrum so fluids such as water, blood, or pus can drain out.
How to tell if a baby has an earache?
Signs of infection include a red eardrum or a bulging eardrum with fluid behind it. The fluid may be thin like during a cold, or thick like pus. It is located in the middle ear, just behind the ear drum.
What is the best medicine for a fever?
Your doctor may recommend a pain reliever, typically acetaminophen ( Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin ), which also helps reduce a fever.
How to get rid of a baby's ear?
Try to take your child off it as soon as the doctor thinks he’s ready. Gargling: In older children or adults, salt water helps soothe a raw throat and may help clear the Eustachian tubes. Stand tall: Holding your head erect can help drain your middle ear.
What to do if you skip an antibiotic?
If your doctor decides to go with antibiotics, follow all the instructions. Take all of the doses even if you or your child are feeling better. Call your doctor or pharmacist if you skip a dose or feel sick from the medicine.
What does it mean when your child has a sore throat?
You or your child may have a sore throat, stuffy nose, or fever along with an earache. These are signs of a possible infection. Call your doctor so she can find out for sure what’s going on. If it is an infection, she can recommend the best treatment for your case.
What to do if your throat is sore?
Treating bacterial infections. If your or your child's sore throat is caused by a bacterial infection, your doctor or pediatrician will prescribe antibiotics. You or your child must take the full course of antibiotics as prescribed even if the symptoms are gone.
How to test for strep throat?
The doctor rubs a sterile swab over the back of the throat to get a sample of secretions and sends the sample to a lab for testing. Many clinics are equipped with a lab that can get a test result for a rapid antigen test within a few minutes. However, a second, often more reliable test, called a throat culture, is sometimes sent to a lab that returns results within 24 to 48 hours.
How to cure a sore throat from drinking alcohol?
Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate you. Try comforting foods and beverage. Warm liquids — broth, caffeine-free tea or warm water with honey — and cold treats such as ice pops can soothe a sore throat. Don't give honey to children younger than age 1. Gargle with saltwater.
How to test for streptococcal bacteria?
In some cases, doctors may use a molecular test to detect streptococcal bacteria. In this test, a doctor swipes a sterile swab over the back of the throat to get a sample of secretions. The sample is tested in a lab. Your or your child's doctor may have accurate results within a few minutes.
How to help a child with a sore throat?
Regardless of the cause of your sore throat, these at-home care strategies can help you ease your or your child's symptoms: Rest. Get plenty of sleep. Rest your voice, too. Drink fluids. Fluids keep the throat moist and prevent dehydration. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate you.
How long does a sore throat last?
Treatment. A sore throat caused by a viral infection usually lasts five to seven days and doesn't usually require medical treatment. Antibiotics don't help treat a viral infection. To ease pain and fever, many people turn to acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or other mild pain relievers. Consider giving your child over-the-counter pain medications ...
How to get rid of sore throat from a humidifier?
Humidify the air. Use a cool-air humidifier to eliminate dry air that may further irritate a sore throat, being sure to clean the humidifier regularly so it doesn't grow mold or bacteria. Or sit for several minutes in a steamy bathroom.
How to get rid of ear infection?
Some ways to feel better—whether or not antibiotics are needed for an ear infection: Rest. Drink extra water or other fluids. Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve pain or fever. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about over-the-counter medicines that can help you feel better. Always use over-the-counter medicines as directed.
What is the name of the infection in the middle of the ear?
There are different types of ear infections. Middle ear infection (acute otitis media) is an infection in the middle ear.
How to tell if a child has a middle ear infection?
Your doctor can make the diagnosis of a middle ear infection by looking inside your child’s ear to examine the eardrum and see if there is pus in the middle ear.
How long does a middle ear infection last?
Pus, discharge, or fluid coming from the ear. Worsening symptoms. Symptoms of a middle ear infection that last for more than 2–3 days. Hearing loss. This list is not all-inclusive. Please see a doctor for any symptom that is severe or concerning.
Why does my child's ear hurt?
Is your child’s ear hurting? It could be an ear infection. Children are more likely than adults to get ear infections. Talk to your child’s doctor about the best treatment.
What causes a middle ear infection?
Causes. A middle ear infection may be caused by: Bacteria, like Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae (nontypeable) —the two most common bacterial causes. Viruses, like those that cause colds or flu.
What is it called when fluid builds up in the middle ear?
When the outer ear canal is infected, the condition is called swimmer’ s ear, which is different from a middle ear infection. For more information, visit “Swimmer’s Ear” (Otitis Externa).
How to treat ear infection without intervention?
Some of the following methods are effective in relieving the symptoms of a mild ear infection: Apply a warm cloth to the affected ear. Take over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). Find ibuprofen or acetaminophen online.
When to give antibiotics for ear infection?
They may prescribe antibiotics if your ear infection is chronic or doesn’t appear to be improving. If a child under the age of 2 has ear infection symptoms, a doctor will likely give them antibiotics as well. It’s important to finish your entire course of antibiotics if they’re prescribed.
Why do infants get ear infections?
Ear infections occur most commonly in young children because they have short and narrow eustachian tubes. Infants who are bottle-fed also have a higher incidence of ear infections than their breastfed counterparts. Other factors that increase the risk of developing an ear infection are: altitude changes. climate changes.
What causes fluid to build up in the middle of the ear?
What causes an ear infection? An ear infection occurs when one of your eustachian tubes becomes swollen or blocked , causing fluid to build up in your middle ear. Eustachian tubes are small tubes that run from each ear directly to the back of the throat. Causes of eustachian tube blockage include:
How do you know if you have an ear infection?
A few of the common symptoms of ear infections include: mild pain or discomfort inside the ear. a feeling of pressure inside the ear that persists. fussiness in young infants. pus-like ear drainage. hearing loss. These symptoms might persist or come and go.
How old do you have to be to see a doctor for ear infection?
Children younger than 6 months who have a fever or ear infection symptoms should see a doctor. Always seek medical attention if your child has a fever higher than 102°F (39°C) or severe ear pain.
Why do you put tubes in your ears?
Most often, tubes are placed in the ears to allow fluid to drain out.
How to stop ear infection pain?
It’s also important to monitor the infection closely. One popular method to relieve ear pain is putting a hot or cold compress, like a wet washcloth, on the ear. Make sure the compress is not too hot or too cold.
When to see a doctor for ear infection?
Also call your doctor if you observe bloody fluid or pus draining from the ear. Lastly, call a doctor if your child who is less than six months old is showing symptoms of an ear infection.
How to tell if you have an ear infection?
Usually, the signs and symptoms of an ear infection come on quickly. In children, symptoms of an ear infection may include: 1 Ear pain, which may be worse when lying down 2 Fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher 3 Difficulty sleeping 4 Tugging at the ear 5 Fussiness and crying 6 Trouble hearing 7 Drainage of fluid from the ear 8 Loss of balance
What to do for ear pain in toddler?
You can try both temperatures to see if one helps more. Pain reliever medicines like acetaminophen, naproxen, or ibuprofen can also help relieve ear pain . Follow the dosing directions on the label for yourself or your child.
What happens when your ear gets swollen?
When your nasal and ear passages get swollen, fluid gets trapped in the middle ear, which is normally filled with air. The fluid in the middle ear can then become infected, causing pain . Usually, the signs and symptoms of an ear infection come on quickly. In children, symptoms of an ear infection may include:
What causes ear infections?
Ear infections are caused by bacteria or a virus that causes swelling of the passages in the ear. When your nasal and ear passages get swollen, fluid ...
What can a doctor prescribe for a bacterial infection?
Your doctor can prescribe antibiotics that usually treat the infection quickly.
How to treat ear infection in middle ear?
Treating middle ear infections. You may be prescribed antibiotics. Some antibiotics may be taken orally. Others can be applied directly to the site of the infection with ear drops. Medications for pain, such as over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs may also be used to manage your symptoms.
How to prevent ear infection?
To help prevent an ear infection of any kind, follow these tips: 1 Keep your ears clean by washing them and using a cotton swab carefully. Make sure you dry your ears completely after swimming or taking a shower. 2 Don’t smoke, and avoid secondhand smoke as much as you can. 3 Manage your allergies by avoiding triggers and keeping up with allergy medications. 4 Wash your hands thoroughly, and try to avoid people who have colds or other upper respiratory problems. 5 Make sure your vaccines are up to date.
How does an infection affect the ear?
The infection moves to one or both ears through the eustachian tubes. These tubes regulate air pressure inside your ear. They connect to the back of your nose and throat. An infection can irritate the eustachian tubes and cause them to swell. Swelling can prevent them from draining properly.
Why does my middle ear hurt?
A middle ear infection is also known as otitis media. It’s caused by fluid trapped behind the eardrum, which causes the eardrum to bulge. Along with an earache, you may sense fullness in your ear and have some fluid drainage from the affected ear.
What does it mean when your eardrum moves?
If the eardrum barely moves, it suggests that there is fluid pressing against it from the inside. Another test used to diagnose and evaluate a possible ear infection is called tympanometry.
What is the name of the rash that starts in the outer ear?
An outer ear infection is also known as otitis externa. An outer ear infection often starts as an itchy rash. The ear may become:
What do doctors do at an ear appointment?
During your appointment, your doctor will get your medical history and listen as you describe your symptoms. They’ll also use an otoscope to get a detailed look at your outer ear and your eardrum.
What to do if you have strep throat?
Antibiotics. If your doctor diagnoses you or your child with strep throat, your doctor will likely prescribe an oral antibiotic. If taken within 48 hours of the onset of the illness, antibiotics reduce the duration and severity of symptoms, as well as the risk of complications and the likelihood that infection will spread to others. ...
How to stop throat pain in older adults?
Avoid spicy foods or acidic foods such as orange juice. Gargle with warm salt water. For older children and adults, gargling several times a day can help relieve throat pain. Mix 1/4 teaspoon (1.5 grams) of table salt in 8 ounces (237 milliliters) of warm water.
How to diagnose strep throat?
Diagnosis. Your doctor will conduct a physical exam, look for signs and symptoms of strep throat, and probably order one or more of the following tests: Rapid antigen test. Your doctor may perform a rapid antigen test on a swab sample from your throat. This test can detect strep bacteria in minutes by looking for substances (antigens) in the throat.
What to do if you think your child has strep?
What you can do in the meantime. If you think you or your child might have a strep infection, take steps to relieve symptoms and avoid spreading infection: Keep your hands clean, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and don't share personal items.
How to keep mucous membranes moist?
Saline nasal sprays also help keep mucous membranes moist. Stay away from irritants. Cigarette smoke can irritate a sore throat and increase the likelihood of infections such as tonsillitis. Avoid fumes from paint or cleaning products, which can irritate the throat and lungs.
Can antibiotics kill strep throat?
In most cases, antibiotics will quickly wipe out the bacteria causing the infection. In the meantime, try these tips to relieve symptoms of strep throat:
Diagnosis
Treatment
Clinical Trials
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- Regardless of the cause of your sore throat, these at-home care strategies can help you ease your or your child's symptoms: 1. Rest.Get plenty of sleep. Rest your voice, too. 2. Drink fluids.Fluids keep the throat moist and prevent dehydration. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate you. 3. Try comforting foods and beverage.Warm liquids — ...
Alternative Medicine
Preparing For Your Appointment
What Is An Ear Infection?
Causes
- Bacteria or viruses can cause a middle ear infection: 1. Bacteria, like Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae(nontypeable) are the two most common bacteria causing middle ear infection 2. Viruses, like those that cause coldscan cause middle ear infection
Symptoms
- Common symptoms of middle ear infection in children can include: 1. Ear pain 2. Fever 3. Fussiness or irritability 4. Rubbing or tugging at an ear 5. Difficulty sleeping
When to Seek Medical Care
- See a doctor if your child has: 1. A fever of 102.2°F (39°C) or higher 2. Pus, discharge, or fluid coming from the ear 3. Worsening symptoms 4. Symptoms of a middle ear infection that last for more than 2–3 days 5. Hearing loss This list is not all-inclusive. Please see a doctor for any symptom that is severe or concerning.