2. Painful Swallowing – A Ruthless Guard
As the infection digs in, painful swallowing becomes a hallmark of strep throat. It’s as if your own throat has turned against you, each swallow guarded by an unseen force.
Imagine the simple act of swallowing now comes with a side of pain. Whether it’s your saliva, a sip of water, or a bite of food, it feels like an ordeal.
The pain is specific and localized, targeting the back of the throat and sometimes radiating to the ears. It’s as if every swallow navigates through a narrow passage lined with thorns.
This symptom doesn’t ebb and flow; it’s consistently punishing, turning meals into a series of tactical maneuvers to minimize discomfort. It’s a sign that tells you this isn’t an ordinary sore throat—it’s a symptom that screams ‘strep’. (2)
