Skip to main content

Strep throat is more than a sore throat. It’s a bacterial infection caused by Group A Streptococcus that can make swallowing painful and leave you feeling run down. Unlike viral sore throats, strep throat often requires antibiotics for full recovery. But how do you know when antibiotics are necessary, and why are they so important?

Understanding how to treat strep throat—and the risks of leaving it untreated—can help you take control of your health. In this article, we’ll explore how antibiotics work, what options are available, and why early treatment matters.

What is Strep Throat, and How Do Antibiotics Treat It?

Strep throat is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation and pain in the throat and tonsils. It spreads through respiratory droplets, often through coughing, sneezing, or sharing utensils. While sore throats caused by colds or the flu usually eventually improve, strep throat requires a targeted treatment with antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria.

How Antibiotics Work to Treat Strep Throat

Antibiotics treat strep throat by killing the bacteria or preventing their growth. This speeds up recovery, reduces symptoms and helps prevent complications. 

Antibiotics and Strep Throat: How They Work

Antibiotics for strep throat target and kill the bacteria causing the infection. 

They’re crucial for:

  • Relieving symptoms. Antibiotics help reduce throat pain, fever and other symptoms more quickly than your body could on its own.
  • Preventing complications. Without treatment, strep throat can lead to serious problems, such as rheumatic fever, kidney inflammation or abscesses around the tonsils.
  • Stopping the spread. Strep throat is highly contagious. Antibiotics make you far less likely to pass the infection to others within 24 hours of starting treatment.

By addressing the infection early with antibiotics, you recover faster and reduce the likelihood of spreading the infection to others.

Common Antibiotics for Strep Throat and How They Work

The best antibiotic for strep throat depends on your specific health needs, any allergies you may have, and your doctor’s recommendations. 
However, penicillin is generally the first-choice treatment for most cases of strep throat. It has been used effectively for decades and effectively eliminates the Group A Streptococcus bacteria.

Why is Penicillin the Top Choice?

  • Proven effectiveness. Penicillin is highly effective against strep bacteria, with minimal resistance.
  • Cost-effective. It’s one of the most affordable antibiotics available, making it accessible to most patients.
  • Well-tolerated. Most people can take penicillin without significant side effects.

What if You’re Allergic to Penicillin?

Other antibiotics are available for patients who are allergic to penicillin. Options like cephalexin or clindamycin can treat strep throat while accommodating specific health concerns.

Your doctor will choose the best antibiotic based on your medical history and any known allergies. The goal is to provide treatment that clears the infection and minimizes the risk of side effects or complications.

If you’re unsure which antibiotic is right for you, your doctor can help you choose the safest and most effective option.

How Long Do You Need Antibiotics?

A typical antibiotic course for strep throat lasts 10 days. Remember, taking the full course is important, even if you feel better after a few doses. 

Stopping early can leave some bacteria alive, increasing the risk of reinfection or complications. Completing the treatment ensures the infection is fully resolved.

What Happens If I Don’t Treat Strep Throat?

Untreated strep throat can lead to serious health complications that extend beyond the throat. While some mild cases may improve on their own, the risks of not treating bacterial infections are massive.

Potential Complications of Untreated Strep Throat

  1. Rheumatic fever. This inflammatory condition can affect the heart, joints, and brain, causing long-term damage.
  2. Scarlet fever. Some cases of untreated strep throat can lead to a widespread red rash and high fever.
  3. Abscesses and infections. The infection can spread to surrounding areas, like your ears, sinuses, or bloodstream, leading to more severe issues.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Strep Throat

If you experience severe throat pain, fever, swollen lymph nodes or difficulty swallowing, see a doctor. Other symptoms may include a red and swollen throat, white patches on the tonsils, and tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth. 

A throat swab test can quickly confirm if strep bacteria are the cause. Early treatment is essential for avoiding complications and ensuring a smooth recovery.

Treat Strep Throat at Summit Health

Strep throat may be common, but it’s not something to ignore. With the proper treatment, you can recover quickly and avoid complications. Antibiotics are crucial in clearing the infection but knowing when and how to use them is just as important.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of strep throat, don’t wait to seek help. At Summit Health, our expert team is here to provide a thorough diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. Schedule an appointment today to get the care you need and start feeling better fast.