What happens if you wait too long to treat strep throat?

If untreated, strep throat can cause complications, such as kidney inflammation or rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever can lead to painful and inflamed joints, a specific type of rash, or heart valve damage.

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How long can strep throat go untreated?

A. Strep throat typically resolves in three to five days if untreated. Despite the short duration, antibiotic treatment is recommended to reduce the risk of complications.

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What would happen if strep throat goes untreated?

Left untreated, strep throat can lead to kidney inflammation or rheumatic fever, a serious illness that can cause stroke and permanent damage to the heart. Fortunately, strep throat can be easily diagnosed with a simple throat culture, and promptly treated with a course of antibiotics.

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Is it OK to let strep throat run its course?

Although most cases of strep throat resolve within three to seven days with or without antibiotic treatment, leaving it untreated could cause a higher risk of complications, especially in children.

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Is it bad to ignore strep throat?

If untreated, strep throat can cause complications, such as kidney inflammation or rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever can lead to painful and inflamed joints, a specific type of rash, or heart valve damage.

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Sore Throat or Strep? When to Go to the Doctor

19 related questions found

Can strep throat resolve without antibiotics?

No, strep throat won't go away on its own. A type of bacteria causes strep throat, and antibiotics treat infections caused by bacteria. Strep throat can lead to more serious illnesses if not treated, so it's important to start on antibiotics immediately.

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Is strep throat serious in adults?

Most strep A infections are not serious and can be treated with antibiotics. But rarely, the infection can cause serious problems. This is called invasive group A strep (iGAS).

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When should I be concerned about strep A?

Immediate action required: Phone 999 or go to A&E if:

you or your child is having difficulty breathing (you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs) there are pauses when you or your child breathes. you or your child's skin, tongue or lips are blue.

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What's the longest strep throat can last?

Strep throat typically resolves on its own within 7-10 days. Typically, strep throat can last for 7- 10 days. Strep throat symptoms improve between the third and fourth day. Consult your physician if your symptoms worsen after three days or if they do not improve after 7–10 days.

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What does untreated strep look like?

Red and swollen tonsils. Swollen neck glands that may be tender or painful. Difficulty with swallowing. Red and white patches in the throat.

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How can you tell the difference between strep throat and tonsillitis?

Strep throat is an infection caused by a specific type of bacteria, Streptococcus. When your child has a strep throat, the tonsils are usually very inflamed, and the inflammation may affect the surrounding part of the throat as well. Tonsillitis is inflammation (swelling) of the tonsils.

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What kills streptococcus bacteria naturally?

Salt water may be used to get rid of strep throat naturally. It might not provide immediate relief; however, it may be useful for killing the bacteria causing strep throat. It might also help to loosen mucus and ease the pain. You can take some table salt in a glass of warm water, stir well and use it to gargle.

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Can strep throat be diagnosed visually?

The signs and symptoms of strep throat are the same for both children and adults. Although these signs may indicate strep throat, a visit to the doctor or a telemedicine consult is necessary to make a full determination. Strep throat cannot be diagnosed by visual signs alone.

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How long does it take for strep to peak?

You can't tell precisely how long strep throat lasts because it sneaks up on you. Usually, it lasts between seven to ten days and goes away on its own. The symptoms are generally at a peak level between the second to fourth days, so you shouldn't be too worried when your symptoms suddenly spike up.

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What does severe strep throat feel like?

Symptoms often include pain and fever

Pain when swallowing. Sore throat that can start very quickly and may look red. Red and swollen tonsils. White patches or streaks of pus on the tonsils.

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What are the worst symptoms of strep throat?

Symptoms
  • Fever that may begin suddenly and is often the highest on the second day.
  • Chills.
  • Red, sore throat that may have white patches.
  • Pain when swallowing.
  • Swollen, tender neck glands.

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What are symptoms of high levels of strep?

Severe symptoms of a group A streptococcal infection include:
  • Diarrhea.
  • Dizziness.
  • Fever.
  • Large wounds, blisters or black spots form on your skin.
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Severe pain that spreads beyond the wound.
  • Skin changes color (red to purple).
  • Skin swells (puffs up) or is warm to the touch.

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How can I test for strep throat at home?

Rapid strep test kits are available over the counter at drugstores and do not require a doctor's prescription. These tests are quick and easy to use, giving you results in as little as five minutes. It works just like a rapid test that doctors perform.

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Do adults need antibiotics for strep?

Since bacteria cause strep throat, antibiotics are needed to treat the infection and prevent rheumatic fever and other complications. A doctor cannot tell if someone has strep throat just by looking in the throat.

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Do you cough with strep?

Cough is generally not a symptom of strep throat. Cough, hoarseness, runny nose, reddened eyes and other symptoms may point to a viral respiratory infection.

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Should I go to the doctor for strep throat?

Whether you are a child or an adult, it is always important to seek medical treatment if you have strep throat symptoms. Left untreated, strep throat can progress to scarlet fever or rheumatic fever.

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What color is your throat when you have strep?

It may be covered with white or yellow patches. The back of the throat may have small red bumps or streaks on it. It's possible that a person could have almost the same symptoms with a viral or other infection type.

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What feels like strep but isn't strep?

necrophorum pharyngitis is hard to recognize. Its signs and symptoms are very similar to those of strep throat. There is a rapid test for strep; but there is not a routine, commercially available rapid test for F. necrophorum.

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Can you tell if you have strep without a test?

In addition to the standard sore throat and painful swallowing, some other signs and symptoms of strep throat may include: Tender, swollen lymph nodes (glands) in the front of the neck. Red spots on the roof of the mouth or palate. Swollen and red tonsils; white patches on occasion.

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How do you starve Streptococcus?

Zinc Starves Deadly Streptococcus Bacteria: Study - Asian Scientist Magazine. A new study shows that zinc can 'starve' one of the world's most deadly bacteria by preventing its uptake of an essential metal.

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