Streptococcus A treatment near me

Prevent, alleviate, or heal disease—naturally.

Meet our practitioners who specialize in natural Streptococcus A (strep A) treatment

How it works

Consult with our health coaches who will learn about your symptoms, habits, and goals.

Take personalized home health tests to discover potential root causes of any symptoms or conditions you may have.

Review your results in just days with our functional medicine doctors, nurses, and dietitians who will help you achieve optimal health.

Learn about Streptococcus A (strep A)

Streptococcus A (strep A) is a type of bacteria that can cause a range of health issues, from mild skin infections to severe diseases such as scarlet fever and rheumatic fever. This bacterium is particularly known for causing strep throat, a common and highly contagious infection affecting the throat and tonsils. The prevalence of strep A infections tends to peak during the winter and early spring, contributing to a significant number of doctor visits and missed days from school and work annually.

Causes

Strep A infections are primarily caused by direct person-to-person transmission. The bacteria can spread through airborne respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through sharing utensils, drinking from the same glass, or touching a surface contaminated with the bacteria and then touching the mouth or nose. Certain conditions such as close quarters, like schools and daycare centers, can increase the risk of transmitting strep A.

Signs and symptoms

- Sore throat, often suddenly starting and severe - Pain when swallowing - Fever - Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus - Tiny red spots on the area at the back of the roof of the mouth (soft or hard palate) - Swollen, tender lymph nodes in the neck - Headaches - Rash (in cases of scarlet fever) - Nausea or vomiting, especially in younger children

Diagnosing Streptococcus A (strep A)

Diagnosing a strep A infection typically requires a visit to a healthcare provider. The process might include a physical examination of the throat and tonsils and a discussion about the symptoms. For a definitive diagnosis, a rapid antigen detection test (RADT) or a throat culture may be performed. The RADT can provide results quickly, often within minutes, but it may not be as sensitive as a throat culture, which can take up to two days for results but is more accurate.

Prevention and natural treatment

Preventing strep A infections involves practicing good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing, covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and avoiding close contact with people who are sick. If you or someone in your household is infected, changing toothbrushes and disinfecting surfaces can also help prevent the spread of the bacteria. For treatment, while conventional medicine typically relies on antibiotics to treat strep A infections effectively, there are natural and supportive measures that can also be beneficial alongside or as a follow-up to medical treatment. For instance, staying well-hydrated, utilizing throat lozenges, and gargling with warm salt water can provide symptomatic relief. Natural supplements such as vitamin C, echinacea, and zinc may support the immune system in fighting off the infection. Additionally, herbal teas with honey can soothe a sore throat, and probiotics can help restore the gut microbiota balance if antibiotics are used. It's essential, however, to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any natural or herbal treatment to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your specific situation.

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