STREP THROAT, BRONCHITIS, PNEUMONIA Q & A

What is strep throat?

Strep throat is an infection caused by the A Streptococcus bacteria and affects the throat and tonsils. Symptoms of strep throat include:

• Sore throat

• Pain when swallowing

• Fever

• Red spots on the roof of the mouth

• Swollen lymph nodes

• Headache

• Nausea or vomiting

In some cases, a rash known as scarlet fever may also accompany strep throat.

Strep throat is contagious and spread through contact with infected fluids produced by coughs and sneezes. Touching your mouth, nose, or eyes after coming into contact with contaminated fluids can make you sick. Sharing utensils or glassware with an infected person can also spread the infection.

What is the difference between bronchitis and pneumonia?

Bronchitis is a condition marked by the inflammation of the bronchial tubes that transport air to and from your lungs. With bronchitis, your body produces thick mucus in response to the inflammation.

If you suffer from chronic swelling of the bronchial tubes, the condition is not contagious to others. However, acute bronchitis is infectious. Symptoms of bronchitis include:

• Thick mucus

• Wheezing or coughing

• Shortness of breath

• Fatigue

• Nasal congestion

• Chest discomfort

Pneumonia is an inflammatory infection of the lungs and viruses, bacteria, fungus, or other debris that irritates the lungs cause it. If you have pneumonia, your lung tissue swells, and you may find it difficult to breathe.

If pneumonia is the result of bacteria or a virus, it may be contagious to others. Symptoms of pneumonia include:

• Fever

• Cough

• Nasal congestion

• Chest pain

• Fatigue

• Headaches

• Decreased appetite

How are strep throat, bronchitis, and pneumonia treated?

The doctors at HELLOMED offer comprehensive and rapid testing to identify the problem. The team offers on-site strep testing to accurately diagnose a strep infection and treat it effectively with antibiotics.

For bronchitis and pneumonia, your doctor performs a physical exam and discusses your symptoms. They listen to your lungs to assess your ability to breathe and may order imaging tests to take a closer look at your lungs.

Your doctor may provide antibiotics for bacterial infections. If the condition is related to a virus, they may recommend other medications or treatments.

To learn more about treatment options, schedule an appointment online or by phone, or visit the clinic as a walk-in.

Painful, swollen joints can make it difficult to complete your daily tasks or perform your job correctly. If you have joint pain and inflammation, you may have gout. At HELLOMED in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the experienced medical team offers an accurate diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of gout to help you manage symptoms and return to your routine. Schedule an appointment online, by phone, or walk into the clinic to learn more about gout treatments.