Strep throat is a bacterial infection within the throat and the tonsils. Universal symptoms of strep would include an irritated and inflamed throat. These symptoms can cause severe discomfort such as the inability to swallow, swollen tonsils and lymph nodes, fever and ear infections. The most successful treatment of a strep throat infection would be a dose of antibiotics. Antibiotics are used to help reduce symptoms within 24-48 hours, as well as completely eliminating the ...