Strep throat is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes, specifically Group A Streptococcus (GAS), which leads to painful inflammation of the tonsils and throat. While the desire to eliminate this infection immediately is understandable, no treatment, medical or otherwise, can “kill” the bacteria fast overnight. The infection requires a course of targeted medication to fully eradicate the bacteria. Relief from symptoms typically begins quickly after treatment starts, but seeking a prompt diagnosis and beginning the prescribed treatment is the only way to ensure the infection is properly managed and cured.
The Definitive Medical Treatment
Antibiotics are the only definitive treatment that eradicates the Group A Streptococcus bacteria responsible for the infection. Common first-line medications include penicillin or amoxicillin, which work by interfering with the bacteria’s ability to build cell walls, leading to bacterial death.
Once a patient begins antibiotic treatment, the bacteria are rapidly suppressed, and contagiousness significantly decreases. A person is typically considered non-contagious after 24 hours of consistent antibiotic therapy, allowing them to safely return to work or school.
While symptoms may improve dramatically within a day or two, it is necessary to complete the full 10-day course of medication as prescribed by a healthcare provider. Failing to complete the entire prescription risks not fully eliminating the bacteria, which can allow the remaining organisms to re-emerge, potentially causing a relapse. Discontinuing treatment early also jeopardizes the primary goal of antibiotic therapy: preventing serious, long-term health complications.
Managing Acute Symptoms Overnight
Since the bacterial infection cannot be instantly cured, managing the acute pain and inflammation is a significant focus during the first night of illness. Over-the-counter pain relievers can provide substantial relief from throat pain and fever. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or acetaminophen are effective options for reducing both fever and the overall inflammatory response in the throat tissues.
Palliative measures focus on coating the throat and reducing localized irritation to improve comfort and swallowing. Gargling with a solution of warm water and salt several times a day can help soothe the throat and reduce swelling. Consuming soft, cool foods, like frozen pops or ice cream, or warm liquids, such as decaffeinated tea with honey, also helps ease the pain associated with swallowing. Using a cool-mist humidifier in the bedroom can introduce moisture into the air, preventing the throat from drying out overnight. These measures are solely for comfort and symptom relief, and they must always be used in conjunction with the prescribed antibiotic treatment.
Understanding Untreated Strep
Ignoring strep throat or relying exclusively on temporary symptom relief measures carries a serious risk of developing severe, long-term health issues. The most significant non-suppurative complication is acute rheumatic fever, a condition that can follow an untreated GAS infection. Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that can permanently damage the heart valves, affecting the joints, skin, and brain.
Another serious sequela is post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, which involves inflammation of the small filters within the kidneys. This condition can lead to kidney damage and may manifest with symptoms like dark or tea-colored urine.
A possible connection has also been noted between GAS infection and a condition known as Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS). This involves a sudden onset or worsening of obsessive-compulsive disorder or tic disorders in children following a strep infection. These complications are the primary reason why prompt and complete antibiotic treatment is mandated.