12/17/2025
š· Letās talk about strep throat and when we NEED conventional medicine.
Strep isnāt a ānatural remedies onlyā situation - itās a bacterial infection requiring antibiotics. Untreated strep can lead to serious complications like rheumatic fever (heart damage) and kidney problems.
RECOGNIZING STREP: Sudden severe sore throat, high fever, painful swallowing, red/swollen tonsils. Key difference: strep usually does NOT include cough or runny nose. Sore throat + cold symptoms = more likely viral.
DIAGNOSIS MATTERS: We canāt diagnose by looking. A rapid strep test is necessary. Donāt assume every sore throat is strep - most arenāt! But DO bring your child in if symptoms suggest it.
ANTIBIOTICS ARE NECESSARY: Weāre selective about antibiotic use, but strep is one situation where theyāre truly needed. The bacteria wonāt clear on its own. We typically prescribe amoxicillin for 10 days.
HEREāS WHERE INTEGRATIVE CARE SHINES: While antibiotics handle infection, we support the whole child:
š¦ Protect the Gut: High-quality probiotics during and after antibiotics prevent yeast infections and digestive issues.
šŖ Support Immunity: Vitamin C, zinc, and echinacea help the body recover fully.
šÆ Manage Symptoms: Raw honey (over age 1) soothes throat pain. Warm herbal teas, broths, and hydration support healing. Rest is essential.
THE INTEGRATIVE APPROACH: Using conventional medicine when truly needed (antibiotics for strep) while supporting the whole body with natural therapies (probiotics, nutrition, immune support). Itās not either/or - itās both/and.
WHEN TO CALL US: Severe sore throat, high fever, difficulty swallowing, or symptoms lasting more than 2 days. Weāll test and treat appropriately.
Questions? Weāre here! š