Can a physician address strep throat on Laso MD?

Certainly. Our healthcare professionals will engage in a discussion about the symptoms and signs associated with your strep throat. A thorough physical examination, which may involve inspecting the back of your throat, will also be conducted.

In certain instances, additional tests may be recommended by the healthcare provider before confirming a diagnosis for strep throat. This is done to ensure accurate classification of infections as either viral or bacterial, allowing for the administration of appropriate treatments.

Upon determining the cause of your strep throat symptoms, our healthcare practitioners can recommend suitable treatments, including prescription medications like antibiotics if necessary.

 

Can I obtain a prescription on Laso MD?

Absolutely. Our physicians have the authority to prescribe strep throat medications through online consultations. Once a prescription is issued, you have the flexibility to either collect it from any pharmacy or opt for doorstep delivery at no extra cost.

 

What is strep throat?

Strep throat is an infection affecting the tonsils and throat, caused by a bacterium known as group A streptococcus (GAS) pharyngitis.

While strep throat can impact individuals of all ages, it is more commonly observed in children. This contagious condition can lead to complications if not addressed promptly.

If you or your child is displaying symptoms of strep throat, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional at your earliest convenience.

Left untreated, strep throat may result in complications such as:

Infections in various areas (e.g., skin, blood, sinuses, tonsils, middle ear, etc.) Scarlet fever Poststreptococcal reactive arthritis Rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease Poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the kidney)

If you have concerns about strep throat, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare practitioner for guidance.

 

What are the signs of strep throat?

The symptoms of strep throat can mimic those of other bacterial and viral infections. A healthcare professional will examine symptoms beyond a sore throat to aid in identifying the condition.

Common symptoms of strep throat include:

• Headache
• Body aches
• Difficulty swallowing
• Red, swollen tonsils
• White patches or streaks of pus on tonsils
• Tiny red spots on the soft or hard palate at the back of the roof of the mouth
• Tender or swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• Fever
• Nausea or vomiting (especially in young children)

In some instances, strep throat can result in a red rash with a texture resembling sandpaper, starting around the face and neck but potentially spreading to the entire body. This may also indicate scarlet fever, caused by the same bacteria responsible for strep throat. Both conditions are highly contagious. If a rash accompanies other strep throat symptoms, prompt consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended.

 

What leads to strep throat?

Strep throat is directly caused by the group A streptococcus (GAS) pharyngitis bacteria.

Similar to many bacterial infections, strep throat is contagious, spreading through close contact. When an individual with strep throat coughs or sneezes, infected droplets are released into the air. If these droplets land on a person or a surface and contaminate the eyes, mouth, or nose, infection can occur. Sharing personal items such as drinks, clothing, and towels can also contribute to the spread of strep throat, possibly explaining why teens and young children are more susceptible.

 

How is strep throat identified?

A healthcare professional will perform a physical examination and inspect the back of your throat to check for signs of strep throat.

In some cases, additional testing may be recommended for a precise diagnosis. These tests include:

• Throat culture tests
• Rapid antigen tests
• Molecular polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests

These tests aid in determining the cause of the strep throat symptoms, guiding the healthcare professional in suggesting appropriate treatments. Once a clear strep throat diagnosis is established, prescription medications will be recommended for treatment.

 

How is strep throat managed?

In the majority of cases, antibiotics serve as the primary treatment for strep throat. However, it is crucial for healthcare providers to accurately determine whether the infection is viral or bacterial.

Prescribing antibiotics for viral infections is ineffective, and administering them unnecessarily can lead to both medication side effects and the development of antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistance can diminish the effectiveness of these medications in future treatments.

To alleviate strep throat symptoms such as throat pain and fever, healthcare practitioners may recommend over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Before administering these medications to children, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider.

In addition to medical treatments, there are home remedies for strep throat that you can explore. Some natural remedies for strep throat include:

• Gargling with warm salt water
• Consuming soft, easy-to-swallow, or soothing foods
• Ensuring ample rest
• Avoiding irritants
• Staying well-hydrated
• Consuming honey on its own or mixed into water or tea (except for children under 1 year)
• Using a humidifier

These home remedies can complement medical interventions and contribute to the overall management of strep throat symptoms.

 

When to seek medical advice for strep throat?

If you or your child is displaying symptoms of strep throat, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider.

At Laso MD, our healthcare professionals can offer a precise strep throat diagnosis and assist in developing an appropriate treatment plan. Effective strep throat treatments, potentially involving antibiotics, can help prevent complications associated with untreated cases.

Strep throat doesn’t typically resolve on its own. Schedule a consultation with a healthcare practitioner at Laso MD to receive recommendations for strep throat treatments that can alleviate symptoms, mitigate complications, and expedite recovery.

 

What is Laso MD?

At Laso MD, initiate a conversation with a doctor about your symptoms within minutes. We are a healthcare platform providing swift and convenient 24/7 access to Canadian doctors.

Just log in, tap a button to request a consultation, and we’ll seamlessly connect you to a doctor via live chat or video. Explore our “How it Works” page to gain more insights.

Our dedicated team of doctors can assess symptoms comprehensively and offer personalized treatment, including necessary prescriptions. Choose Laso MD for efficient and accessible healthcare solutions tailored to your needs.