Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by a bacteria called group A Streptococcus that makes the throat feel sore and scratchy. Strep throats account for a small portion of sore throats and are common in children; however, it affects people of all ages.
Strep Throat Symptoms
One of the most well-known early strep throat symptoms is a sore throat that starts suddenly. A person with strep throat may also have a fever, with the highest temperature on the second day after acquiring the infection. Other strep throat symptoms may include:
Painful swallowing
Swollen tonsils appearing unusually red, sometimes with pus patches and streaks
Multiple red spots on the backside of the mouth
Tender lymph nodes in the neck
Headache
Rash
Nausea and vomiting (common in younger children)
Body ache
Note: A doctor generally tests specifically for a strep throat, as the causes of these symptoms can also be a viral infection or other illnesses. It is also possible for a person to be exposed to someone with strep throat but show no symptoms.
Strep Throat Causes
A bacterium called group A streptococcus or streptococcus pyogenes causes strep throat. Streptococcal bacteria is contagious and can spread through droplets when someone with a strep infection coughs or sneezes. It can also spread through shared food and drinks.
Moreover, it is important to note that the incubation period (the time between acquiring the infection and the development of symptoms) for strep throat ranges from two to five days. It is possible for an infected individual to spread the infection during this time phase.
Strep Throat Risk Factors
The factors that can increase the risk of a strep throat infection may include:
Young age: Strep throat is most common in children.
Time of the year: Although a person can be diagnosed with strep throat at any time of the year, the infection tends to circulate most in early spring and winter. Also, the bacteria causing strep infections flourishes where people are in close contact.
Strep Throat Complications
A strep throat infection can potentially lead to serious complications including:
1. Spread of Infection
Strep throat causing bacteria can spread, further causing an infection in the:
Middle ear
Sinuses
Tonsils
Skin
Blood
2. Inflammatory Reactions
Strep infections may lead to inflammatory illnesses, such as:
Scarlet fever (a streptococcal infection marked by a distinct, visible rash)
Inflammation in the kidney
Rheumatic fever (a serious inflammatory condition that affects the skin, heart, nervous system and joints)
Poststreptococcal reactive arthritis (a condition causing inflammation in the joints)
Strep Throat Diagnosis
A doctor will conduct a physical examination to look for signs and symptoms of strep throat, and additionally order the following tests:
Rapid antigen test: An ENT doctor may conduct a rapid antigen test on a swab sample taken from the throat. This test detects strep throat causing bacteria by identifying antigens in the throat. The doctor may also send the sample to a laboratory to double-check the results with a throat culture.
Throat culture: During this test, a sterile swab is rubbed on the back of the throat and tonsils to obtain a sample of the secretions. The sample is cultured in a lab to detect the bacteria.
PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) Test: This type of test is also done using a swab sample from the throat.
Treatment or Cure for Strep Throat
Medications are available to relieve symptoms of strep throat and prevent its further spread and diagnosis. These medications may include:
If a doctor diagnoses strep throat, they will likely prescribe an oral antibiotic. If the antibiotics are taken within 48 hours of the onset of an illness, it reduces the duration and severity of the symptoms, mitigating the risk of complications and the likelihood that the infection will spread.
Children taking antibiotics for the treatment of strep throat can return to school when they can no longer spread the infection (generally 24 hours after starting the treatment). It is very important to complete the entire course of antibiotics to ensure that the infection is completely controlled and the chances of complications are reduced.
Over-the-counter pain medications help relieve throat pain and reduce fever. The OTC pain relievers may include acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Point to Remember: Practice caution when giving aspirin to children or teenagers. Though aspirin is approved for use in children above the age of three, children or teenagers recovering from flu-like symptoms or chickenpox must never take aspirin.
Prevention of Strep Throat
Follow these steps to help prevent a strep throat infection:
Wash your hands: The practice of proper hand-washing is best to prevent all types of infections. It’s also important to teach children about the right way to wash hands or use alcohol-based sanitizers if soap and water are not available.
Cover your mouth: Covering the elbow or tissue at the time of coughing or sneezing helps prevent strep infections.
Avoid sharing personal items: Avoid touching infected surfaces, sharing eating utensils or drinking glasses to help prevent the spread of strep throat infection.
FAQs
1. Will strep throat go away on its own?
Strep throat is a self-limiting condition, which means it can heal without the need for a medical intervention. It can last for up to 10 days and a doctor may prescribe antibiotics such as amoxicillin to treat strep throat. Antibiotics are recommended as a cure of strep throat as it speeds up the healing process.
2. How to get rid of strep throat fast?
In a majority of cases, antibiotics will help quickly wipe out bacteria causing strep infections.
3. What to eat for strep throat?
In case of strep throat, eat foods that are soft when cooked, such as sweet potatoes or mashed potatoes. Fruits like bananas, ripe melons and applesauce are also easy to swallow. Boiled or scrambled eggs are also a great food for strep throat.
4. Is it okay to leave strep throat untreated?
Caused by group A streptococcus bacteria, strep throat requires prompt treatment, particularly for children above the age of three. If left untreated, strep throat can lead to complications such as rheumatic fever, a serious illness that can cause permanent damage to the heart or stroke.
Article By Dr. Shashidhar TB
Head - Surgery (ENT)
Artemis Hospitals
