Strep Throat
- 21 hours ago
- 5 min read
What is Strep?
Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils caused by Group A Streptococcus. Unlike most sore throats, which are viral, strep involves active bacterial overgrowth and inflammation of throat tissue and is typically treated with antibiotics to reduce complications and limit spread. It’s contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets and close contact.
Diagnosing Strep
Strep throat is diagnosed by using a combination of symptom history, physical exam of throat and lymph nodes, and confirmatory testing. Because many sore throats are viral, providers typically use a rapid strep test and sometimes a throat culture to confirm the presence of Group A Streptococcus before recommending antibiotics, which are most effective when started early in the illness.
Treatment Considerations
If you suspect strep, that is one test I would recommend going and getting tested for. If you receive a positive test and want to try holistic measures, I would give it no more than 24-48 hours. If after that you see no improvements, I would consider antibiotics since strep can get serious pretty quickly.
Don’t overly stress out about the antibiotic. There’s a time and a place, and there’s things you can do to mitigate side effects.
If you see improvement after 24-48 hours of holistic measures I would consider retesting a week later to ensure it’s all gone, as strep can cause other issues if you don’t get rid of it completely like:
Rheumatic fever
Scarlet fever
Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis
PANDAS
Tonsil abscesses
A Note on Babies and Tots
Babies and toddlers are not routinely tested for strep throat unless they’ve had close exposure to someone who has a confirmed case. Serious complications are also uncommon in children under age three, which is why antibiotics are not always considered as critical in this group. That said, treatment may still be used to help shorten the illness and lower the risk of spreading it to others.
Mitigating Antibiotic Effects
When it comes to strep, antibiotics help prevent complications, and reduce infectious time. According to the AAP, children with group A strep pharyngitis may return to school or childcare setting 12-24 hours after beginning antibiotics and feeling better.
However, I would implement the following measures:
Florastor contains a probiotic that is proven to be resistant to most common antibiotics, and can be taken during the full course of an antibiotic.
I would do 1 packet twice a day, taken 2 hours away from the antibiotic, for the full course of the antibiotic.
Also consider taking scutellaria supreme and an antifungal to help mitigate yeast overgrowth. Scutellaira supreme also has the ability to enhance antibiotic effectiveness which can further shorten illness duration. Scutellaria Supreme is an herbal formula centered around skullcap, a plant studied for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and gut-supportive properties. Alongside antibiotics, it can help calm immune and digestive inflammation and support microbiome balance while the body fights infection.
Additionally, you want to take a biofilm busting herb like Black Walnut or Cistus tea. Antibiotics for strep don't kill the strep bacteria that can build biofilm around itself, which can cause recurring infections.
Throat Support
Stop all dairy and processed sugar. This will feed strep bacteria. And start drinking raw pineapple juice (or straight bromelain). Bromelain is an enzyme in pineapples with anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe a sore throat.
gargling salt water: can soothe throat & reduce inflammation and viral load. mix 1/2 tsp of mineral rich salt into 8oz of warm water and gargle multiple times a day
warm fluids: like bone broth, tea, honey/lemon water
raw honey: can add a tsp to warm water/tea, or take directly (1yr+)
Steam showers can be an easy and effective way to soothe the throat, especially for a child who isn’t wanting to take anything orally. Turn the shower on as hot as it will go, close the bathroom door, and sit/inhale the steam. For older kids and adults, you can consider herbal face steamers.
Minimizing the Spread
Other than antibiotics: separate personal items and don’t share things like cups, utensils, towels, toothbrushes.
Replace toothbrush 24-48 hours after antibiotics begin to prevent reinfection.
Wash hands frequently, teach to sneeze/cough into elbow, clean high touch surface like doorknobs, faucets, toys, tablets.
Wash bedding, towels, pajamas in warm/hot water. (No need to isolate laundry, just don’t share items).
Supporting the Immune System
Vitamin C - The Front Line Fighter
A powerful antioxidant that protects immune cells from damage caused by free radicals, and enhances the function of white blood cells responsible for attacking pathogens.
Vitamin D - The Immune Regulator
Prevents excess inflammation and supports the activation of T-cells, the immune cells that target infected cells. Vit D deficiencies linked to recurrent strep ( PMID: 22841558)
Zinc - Infection Fighter & Repair Specialist
Zinc possesses direct antiviral Properties. It helps wound healing, enzyme function, and supports the production and activation of immune cells.
Magnesium - Inflammation Modulator
Magnesium helps regulate inflammation and supports the activity of natural killer cells and white blood cells. It is estimated that between 48-60% of Americans are magnesium deficient.
If Strep Turns into Scarlet Fever
Scarlet fever (scarlatina) is a red, sandpaper-like rash that occurs with a streptococcal infection such as strep throat or a strep skin infection. It may be less visible on darker skin but still feels rough, and a bright red “strawberry” tongue is common. Symptoms often include fever, sore throat, headache, and stomach pain, and the skin may peel as it heals. Antibiotics are advised to prevent complications.
You can follow the antibiotic mitigation recommendations earlier in this guide, and take steps to comfort Itchiness from the rash with:
SOOTHING & ANTI-INFLAMMATORY BATHS:
Oatmeal: anti-inflammatory, calms irritation
blend 1c organic (ideally glyphosate free) oats into a powder and add to bath water and soak for 15-20 min. Or can place whole oats into a mesh type baggie.
Epsom Salt and/or Magnesium: reduces inflammation, soothes muscles, and supports detoxing
add 1-2 c to bath
Baking Soda: relieves itching, skin healing
½ c baking soda to bath, soak 10-15 min
Herbal with Chamomile or Calendula: anti-inflammatory and soothing
Brew 2-3 chamomile or calendula tea bags and pour into bath
Chronic Strep: factors to consider
Strep still requires exposure to Group A Streptococcus, but these are some facts that can increase susceptibility or reinfection risk.
Sleep-disordered breathing or snoring
Chronic mouth breathing
Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
Nasal obstruction or chronic congestion
Narrow palate or airway structure issues
Reflux (GERD or laryngopharyngeal reflux)
Deviated septum
^^Many times these are all related. See an airway dentist!
Frequent exposure in school, daycare
Household transmission cycle
Asymptotic carrier state
Incomplete antibiotic courses
Biofilm formation in tonsillar tissue
take Black Walnut or drink Cistus tea (see antibiotic section above)
Low vitamin D or immune vulnerabilities
Chronic stress and poor sleep
Environmental irritants like smoke and pollution
Dry indoor air and poor indoor air quality
fav humidifier (ideal humidity 40-60%)
Poor oral hygiene
Sharing drinks, utensils, or toothbrushes
Not replacing a toothbrush after infection
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