Strep Throat Specialist
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Loudoun Walk In Medical Center
Internists & Urgent Care located in Ashburn, VA
While strep throat is most common among young children, patients of all ages can certainly contract this bacterial infection. In Ashburn, Virginia, Fuad Alykhan, MD, has an extensive background in diagnosing and treating strep throat. His team at Loudoun Walk In Medical Center offers flexible walk-in visits if you or your child has a severe sore throat, so you can get treatment before it worsens.
Strep Throat Q & A
What is strep throat?
Sore throats can stem from several issues, including allergies or air pollution, but strep throat is different since it’s caused by a specific bacterial infection known as Group A Streptococci.
Because strep comes from a specific bacterium, it’s easy to diagnose through a simple throat culture.
Once infected with the bacteria, strep throat develops quickly. It’s known for making your throat feel raw and making it difficult to swallow, and can also make breathing uncomfortable.
Can I tell if I have strep throat?
Yes, often. Aside from an agonizing sore throat, most strep throat sufferers also come down with a fever of at least 101° F within hours of feeling the initial scratchiness of a strep throat. With strep throat, you could notice white patches on your throat or tiny red dots on the roof of your mouth.
You might even experience:
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Red and swollen tonsils
- Fever and chills
- Abdominal pain
- Unexplained body rashes
- Widespread aches or a sudden headache
- Lymph node enlargement or tenderness
These are just some of the initial signs that you have strep throat. If it’s caught early, you might be able to prevent it from getting any worse and reduce the bacterial infection and the duration of sickness.
How is strep throat treated?
Dr. Alykhan works to treat the bacterial infection itself, as well as your symptoms, so you can be as comfortable as possible while fighting the illness.
Treating strep throat often involves taking antibiotics, typically for 10 days. For younger children, he may suggest antibiotics in oral liquid formularies.
Once you start antibiotics, it’s important to take the entire prescribed course of the medication. If you stop taking your medications as soon as you feel better, you could still have strep bacteria in your body, which could continue to thrive and make you sick again.
Some patients also benefit from taking over-the-counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce throat swelling and bring down fevers. Dr. Alykhan will let you know which type of medications to take and how much is needed. It’s equally as beneficial to get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids, and let your body rest.
Visit Loudoun Walk In Medical Center to be seen for strep throat screening before your symptoms worsen. No appointment is needed.
