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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Does Diagnosis Of Sore Throat Differ From Strep Throat?

How to Tell the Difference Between a Normal Sore Throat and Strep Throat? I ve had a sore throat for the past three days. Other than a stuffy nose, I don t have any other cold symptoms. My throat hurts primarily on the left side. I m able to eat, swallow, and talk. During the day, my throat seems better. But at night it gets worse and I wake up with a scratchy and dry throat all over again. Several years ago I had a sore throat and went to the doctor to get it checked for strep. The doctor somewhat scolded me for asking for a strep test for something that was obviously (to her) not strep throat. My gut instinct is that what I have now isn t strep either, but I still worry. How can I distinguish between a sore throat that s nothing to worry about vs. one that is? As an FYI, I m in my early 50s, otherwise healthy, no tonsils, and have been treating this with echinacea/elderberry tea and oil of oregano drops so far.
Wed, 4 May 2016
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hi Dear,

Welcome to HCM.

Understanding your concern. As per your query you are wondering how does diagnosis of sore throat differ from strep throat. It could be due to bacterial infection of upper respiratory tract as well.sore throat can be bothe bacterial or viral , but strep throat is bacterial. I would suggest you to start with warm saline gargles and betadine gargles 3-4 times a day. For pain and swelling you should take ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Consult ENT specialist for proper diagnosis and rule out condition like strep throat and viral infection . Doctor may prescribe antibiotics along with decongestants and anti inflammatory . Avoid hot, sharp , spicy food substances , do warm saline rinses and carbonated beverages.

Hope your concern has been resolved.

Best Wishes,
Dr. Harry Maheshwari
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How Does Diagnosis Of Sore Throat Differ From Strep Throat?

Hi Dear, Welcome to HCM. Understanding your concern. As per your query you are wondering how does diagnosis of sore throat differ from strep throat. It could be due to bacterial infection of upper respiratory tract as well.sore throat can be bothe bacterial or viral , but strep throat is bacterial. I would suggest you to start with warm saline gargles and betadine gargles 3-4 times a day. For pain and swelling you should take ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Consult ENT specialist for proper diagnosis and rule out condition like strep throat and viral infection . Doctor may prescribe antibiotics along with decongestants and anti inflammatory . Avoid hot, sharp , spicy food substances , do warm saline rinses and carbonated beverages. Hope your concern has been resolved. Best Wishes, Dr. Harry Maheshwari