Strep Throat (Pharyngitis)

Strep throat is an inflammation of the pharynx that frequently results in a sore throat. The complications of strep throat can include acute rheumatic fever, kidney dysfunction, and severe diseases such as bacteremia and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome.

Causes, Incidence and Risk Factors

Strep throat may be caused by a variety of microorganisms:

• Group A streptococcus
• Corynebacterium
• Arcanobacterium
• Neisseria gonorrhoeae
• Chlamydia

In up to 30% of cases, no causative organism is identified.

Most cases of strep throat occur during the colder months. It often spreads among family members.

Symptoms

The symptoms of strep throat include the following:

1. Sore throat
2. Pain when swallowing
3. In rare cases, difficulty breathing
4. Inflammation of the membrane lining the throat
5. An extra membrane or the appearance of pus in the throat (can appear as white patches on tonsils or back of throat)
6. Fever
7. Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck

Signs and Tests

Doctors may use the following tests and/or exams to diagnose this condition:

• Examination of the pharynx to look for drainage or coating. The skin, eyes, and neck lymph nodes may be examined.
• If there is suspicion of strep throat a streptococcal screen and/or throat swab culture may be performed.
• Additional throat cultures or blood tests, depending on the suspected organism (e.g., mononucleosis, gonorrheae).

Treatment

Strep infection should be treated with antibiotics. Alternative treatments can be effective in cases of acute, chronic, or recurrent strep throat.

The following is a list of recommendations for treating strep throat using different alternative healing practices. Veria strongly encourages consultation with expert practitioners before beginning any treatment plan.

Ayurvedic Treatments
Treatment involves anti-Kapha diet and expectorant herbs. Good spices for the throat include cloves and Calamus; other useful herbs are bayberry and zedoaria. These herbs can also be smoked.

Pitta (fire) type is indicated by severe sore throat, yellow mucus, and fever. Bitter herbs are used: Katuki, turmeric, barberry, prepared or taken with ghee.

Vata (air) type is characterized by dry throat and low voice. It is more apt to be chronic. Treatment involves the use of anti-Vata diet and demulcent herbs like Shatavari or marshmallow. Ghee or sesame oil can be applied in drops to the throat. Simple licorice tea is good.

Following are some of the ayurvedic drugs used for strep throat:

1. Sitopaladi churnam, 3-4 g with honey twice a day.
2. Kadiradirati, 2 tablets three times a day. Chew or suck slowly.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture has proven effective in the treatment of some cases of strep throat. Interested patients should discuss the following acupoints with a licensed practitioner:

• Baihui (Du 20)
• Local points: Tianrong (S.I. 17), Lianquan (Ren 23)
• Distal point: Hegu (L.I. 4)
• Specific points for infection: Dazhui (Du 14), Quchi (L.I. 11), Sanyinjiao (Sp. 6).
• The use of Taixi (K.3) is also helpful. The Kidney Channel is connected internally to the throat.

Homeopathy
The following homeopathic remedies are recommended for specific instances of strep throat:

• Aconitum for sore throats that come on suddenly after exposure to cold and are accompanied by a high fever and thirst; this remedy works best if given immediately after symptoms begin.
• Apis mellifica for shiny red, swollen throats with stinging, burning, and dry pains; this remedy is most appropriate for individuals who feel better with cold drinks but have little thirst; they may also have difficulty swallowing and may have the sensation of a fishbone being stuck in the throat; they also tend to be bothered by anything around the neck.
• Belladonna - This is usually the first homeopathic remedy considered for sore throats, particularly if there is sudden onset of intense pain on the right side of the throat along with redness, swelling, and a feeling of constriction; individuals also generally have a fever, may experience pain when swallowing (although the individual wants to drink despite the pain), and often describe a hot sensation in the throat; this remedy works best if used during the first 24 hours of throat soreness.
• Hepar sulphuricum for stinging throat pain that is often described as a stick in the throat; enlarged tonsils; pain may extend to the ears
• Lycopodium for throat pain with a choking sensation, as if having a ball stuck in the throat; individuals for whom this remedy is appropriate often have pain that begins on the right side and may spread to the left.
• Phytolacca for a dark red, purple, or bluish swollen throat accompanied by excessive aching, fever, and pain with swallowing; individuals for whom this remedy is appropriate may also have a shooting pain that extends to the ears, and an acute pain at the base of the tongue when protruded.
• Sulphur for a burning, lingering sore throat; warm drinks and food worsen symptoms; tonsils tend to be swollen, breath may be foul, and gums and nasal passages are dry.

Naturopathic Treatment
Fasting for 3 to 7 days on citrus fruit (grapefruit) juices, and herbal teas will help to reduce the strep throat.

Also helpful:

• Carrot juice, juiced horseradish and lemon juice
• Onion syrup with honey " 1 tsp.per hour can be given in acute cases.

Following are some of the herbs used in Naturopathy to treat sinusitis:

1. Licorice: Antiviral and soothing to the throat. Use as lozenge or tea. Do not take licorice if you have high blood pressure.
2. Coneflower: Stimulates the immune system.
3. Goldenseal: Antiviral, antibacterial.
4. Garlic/ginger tea: Two to three cloves of garlic and two to three slices of fresh ginger. Steep 5 to 15 minutes and drink, breathing in the steam. Stimulates immune system and drainage.
5. Slippery elm: Soothes irritated tissues and promotes healing. Use as lozenge or tea.
6. Cornflower/goldenseal/propolis tincture: Tincture of two parts cornflower, two parts goldenseal, and one part propolis should be taken every three to four hours.  Place 30 drops in 1/4 cup water. Gargle and swallow. A combination of all of the above herbs, equal parts, may be very effective. One cup of tea or 30 to 60 drops tincture every two to four hours.

Hydrotherapy
Try steam inhalation to reduce symptoms of strep throat: Mix 2 drops of eucalyptus oil or ½ tsp.of turmeric in steaming water and inhale steam for 10 minutes. Repeat this 3 to 4 times a day and particularly when congested to promote drainage of mucus.

Other beneficial oils for steam inhalation:

• Lavender and thyme, specifically for upper respiratory infections.
• Lavender and rosemary, very calming

Nutritional Therapy
The following micronutrients are advised:

1. Zinc (30 mg per day or lozenges) boosts the immune system and relieves soreness.
2. Vitamin C (250 to 500 mg two times per day) is needed for proper immune function and to strengthen mucous membranes.
3. Beta-carotene (50,000 to 100,000 IU per day) may help restore the integrity of mucous membranes and support immune function

Preventive Care

Strep throat that stems from a viral cause has no specific treatment beyond bed rest and simple forms of self-treatment, such as gargling and aspirin. Avoid any irritants that might affect your throat, such as smoke from cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, and cold air. Avoid drinking alcohol. Gargling several times a day with a tsp. of salt in a glass of warm water will also help reduce your discomfort, as will throat lozenges.