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Strep Throat

Related Terms
• Pharyngitis, Streptococcal; Rheumatic Fever; Streptococcal Pharyngitis

Strep throat is pain, redness, or pus in the back of the throat. It is caused by bacteria.

There are no natural therapies for strep throat. It must be treated with antibiotics. Strep throat that is left untreated may lead to rheumatic fever. This can cause problems with the joints, heart, skin, and brain.

Natural Therapies

May Not Be Effective

Probiotics are healthy microorganisms that may not benefit people with strep throat.^A1

Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.

Herbs and Supplements to Be Used With Caution

Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse.

References [ + ]

Probiotics

A1. Doyle H, Pierse N, et al. Effect of Oral Probiotic Streptococcus salivarius K12 on Group A Streptococcus Pharyngitis: A Pragmatic Trial in Schools. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2018 Jul;37(7):619-623.

Last reviewed December 2019 by EBSCO NAT Review Board Eric Hurwitz, DC
Last Updated: 6/25/2020

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