Strep Throat in North Texas

Strep throat is a bacterial infection in the throat and tonsils caused by group A streptococcus. Strep infections are more common in children and teens than adults, but adults can get strep too, especially if they have been in contact with a sick child. When you have strep throat, you may feel a sore, scratchy sensation in the back of your throat along with difficulty swallowing. Strep throat is often accompanied by a fever, chills, loss of appetite, nausea, and a general feeling of being unwell. Other possible symptoms include white spots on the tongue and swollen lymph nodes. In the event that you have strep throat symptoms lasting longer than 48 hours, get in touch with the trusted team at Cross Timbers ENT in Midlothian, Mansfield, or Arlington, TX.

The hallmark symptom of strep throat is a sore throat, although sore throats can also be caused by colds or viruses, like the flu or tonsillitis. To diagnose strep throat, one of our practitioners will assess your symptoms and examine the back of your throat. Most likely, a rapid strep test will be performed by swabbing the back of the throat. This can determine whether strep bacteria exist in the throat. Depending on the results, a throat culture test may also be performed. Sometimes, the results of a culture test can take up to two days. If your doctor determines that you have strep throat, an antibiotic may be prescribed. For patients who have recurrent strep throat, tonsil removal (tonsillectomy) can help reduce the frequency of infections.

Is strep throat contagious, and how is it spread?

Yes, strep throat is highly contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also spread by touching contaminated surfaces or sharing utensils with someone who has strep throat. Practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands regularly and avoiding close contact with sick individuals, can help reduce the risk of transmission.

Can strep throat lead to complications if untreated?

Yes, if left untreated, strep throat can lead to serious complications, such as rheumatic fever, which can affect the heart, or kidney inflammation (post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis). Untreated strep can also lead to abscesses around the tonsils or spread the infection to other areas. Timely antibiotic treatment is important to prevent these risks.

How long does it take to recover from strep throat with treatment?

Most patients begin to feel better within 24 – 48 hours after starting antibiotics, with significant improvement in symptoms within a few days. It’s essential to complete the full course of antibiotics, even if you feel better, to ensure the infection is fully eradicated. Our team at Cross Timbers ENT will provide detailed aftercare instructions to support your recovery.

If you have symptoms of strep throat, contact the caring professionals at Cross Timbers ENT. We provide diagnosis and treatment for strep throat and other conditions so you can get back to feeling your best. Book an appointment at one of our convenient office locations in Arlington, Mansfield, or Midlothian, TX.