Strep throat is an infection caused by a bacteria known as Streptococcus pyogenes or group A streptococcus. This bacterial strain is extremely contagious. It spreads through the droplets that an infected person produces during coughing or sneezing. It can also be spread through sharing food and drink with an infected person.

There are a number of symptoms that help diagnose strep throat. Most of the time, strep throat is accompanied by a high-grade fever. However, in some cases, this may not be true. So can you have strep throat without a fever? Keep reading.

Diagnosing Strep Throat Through Its Symptoms

It is important to know about the signs and symptoms of strep throat to diagnose it at the right time.

1. Throat discomfort

A sore throat is a primary symptom experienced by people suffering from strep throat. The onset of pain is sudden and the intensity ranges from moderate to severe. Sometimes, the discomfort is so intense that it may disturb the patient's sleep.

2. Difficulty in swallowing

Because your throat is sore, it often becomes difficult for you to swallow. Anything that you attempt to eat or drink hurts your throat. This is why the patient refuses to eat most of the time.

3. Swelling of glands

Even if you are suffering from strep throat without fever, the glands in your neck may swell. These swollen glands are an indication of enlarged lymph nodes, which inflame and become tender while fighting the throat infection.

4. A headache

Strep throat infection makes your body weak and fatigued. As your body continues to fight the infection with low levels of energy, the tension in the muscles of head and neck rises leading to a bad headache.

5. Pus coating

Patients suffering from strep throat exhibit an increased redness of their tonsils and the tissue lining the throat. Their uvula, a structure hanging from the palate at the back of their throat, may also become red in color. Sometimes, the tonsils develop a yellow or white pus-like coating.

6. Scarlet fever rash

Children with strep throat can sometimes suffer from a scarlet fever rash. With a sandpaper-like feel, this rash usually appears within 1-2 days. It commonly appears on the face and neck and spreads to the legs, arms, and trunk later. If you suspect a scarlet fever rash on these areas, it is advised to consult a doctor immediately.

7. Petechiae

If you want to confirm the diagnosis for "strep throat no fever", check the roof of your mouth now. Patients suffering from strep throat often develop tiny purple spots known as petechiae on the roof of their mouth and towards the throat. These spots are confirmative of a strep throat infection.

8. Abdominal pain

Strep throat can occasionally cause stomach pain. Abdominal pain is most often seen in children but is not common. In extremely rare cases, diarrhea may also accompany the abdominal pain.

9. Nausea and vomiting

Nausea and vomiting together with abdominal discomfort can occur during strep throat. This is because the streptococcal bacterial disturb your digestive systems and alters the normal peristaltic movements. So, as soon as you eat, the digestive system forces all the food particles up towards your mouth, leading to nausea and vomiting. These signs are particularly prominent in young children and rarely occur in adults.

Medical Test for Diagnosing Strep Throat

If you are not sure if you are suffering from strep, it is best to book an appointment with your physician as soon as possible. The doctor will perform a quick test for strep throat in their office by taking a swab from the back of your throat via a long cotton swab. This sample will be sent to a lab to confirm or rule out strep throat.

What Can You Do to Manage Strep Throat?

Now that you have successfully diagnosed strep throat, it is important to manage it.

• Medicines

Antibiotics are medicines that work by killing the bacteria responsible for infection and reducing the symptoms. Amoxicillin and penicillin are the most common medicines prescribed for strep throat. Always start an antibiotic treatment after consulting with a doctor and finish the entire course to get rid of the infection completely.

The doctor also prescribes painkillers such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen (Advil) to get rid of the associated symptoms such as fever and pain in the throat. This makes the infection bearable for the patient while the antibiotics kill the streptococcal bacteria.

• Drink warm beverages

It is always a good idea to drink plenty of warm beverages such as herbal teas or hot water with some lemon. This is because these drinks have a warming effect on your throat that helps soothe it.

• Try gargling with warm water

Gargling with salt water several times a day is a good home remedy for adults and older children. Add 1/4 teaspoon of table salt to 8 ounces of warm water. Use to gargle for a few minutes and spit out the liquid after you finish.

• Get more vitamin C

Vitamin C is an antioxidant and can boost the immune system to fight strep throat. It can also repair any tissue damage in your throat. So, eat more vitamin C-rich foods such as kiwi, oranges, and lemons.

• Consume soothing foods

Because it is difficult for you to swallow anything while you have strep throat, it is best to eat soft foods that do not hurt your throat. Go for soups, broths, cooked cereal, applesauce, yogurt, and mashed potatoes. These foods can be put in a blender to make them soft.

• Take rest

Having enough rest is essential for your body to fight infection. If you suffer from strep throat, take leave from work and stay at home. If your child is ill, keep them at home until there are no signs of infection.

In a Nutshell

Can you have strep throat without a fever? Yes, it is possible to have this infection without suffering from a fever. In such circumstances, you should look out for other symptoms such as a sore throat, plus coating on tonsils, scarlet fever rash, and petechiae. To treat strep throat, use antibiotics and painkillers after consulting a doctor. Go for warm beverages, gargle every day, and get proper sleep to get rid of strep throat quickly. To know more about strep throat and its treatment, click here.