Strep
Throat
Strep
Throat
Strep throat is a less common form of sore throat because it is caused by
bacteria. Most sore throats, which often accompany a cold or
the flu, are caused by viruses.
Strep throat is caused by a strain of bacteria
known as Streptococcus pyogenes, or group A streptococcus.
These bacteria are highly contagious. They
enter the body through the nose and mouth, and are often
present in the air after someone sneezes or coughs. They'll also settle onto common
surfaces like bathroom or kitchen sink handles, eating
utensils, TV remotes, computer keyboards, and especially
doorknobs. This is why doctors recommend frequent hand
washing, especially during cold and flu season.
Like a typical sore throat caused by a virus, a
bacterial throat infection produces a raw, scratchy
feeling and pain when swallowing. Even without treatment,
it will usually goes away in a few days.
Despite the fact that it will typically
cure itself, it's important to differentiate between a viral
sore throat and one caused by bacteria. Bacterial throat
infections can sometimes trigger complications in other parts
of the body, causing kidney problems and rheumatic fever.
Rheumatic fever can be especially dangerous because
it may cause damage to heart valves. lead to painful
and inflamed joints, and even a skin rash.
Strep throat affects people of all ages, but
it's most common between the ages of 5 and 15.
Symptoms of strep throat
Anyone who has symptoms of strep throat should
visit a doctor as soon as possible. These symptoms include:
In general, signs and symptoms of strep throat
include:
-
throat pain,
-
difficulty swallowing,
-
fever,
-
headache,
-
skin rash,
-
red and swollen tonsils (sometimes white patches or
streaks of pus will appear),
-
stomachache,
-
vomiting (especially in children),
-
swollen, tender lymph glands in the neck,
-
small red spots in the back of the roof of the
mouth.
If these symptoms appear, you should seek
medical attention immediately.
Treatment and relief
In some cases, your doctor will prescribe an
oral antibiotic like amoxicillin, azithromycin, clarithromycin,
clindamycin or a cephalosporin or penicillin (may also be given
by injection).
These will relieve the symptoms, and may
shorten the time the throat is infected. This reduces the risk
of complications and the possibility of spreading the
bacteria to other people.
Once treatment gets underway, relief usually
comes in a day or two. Meanwhile, pain relievers like ibuprofen
or acetaminophen can reduce fever and throat soreness.
It's important not to give aspirin to young
children or teenagers due to the risk of Reye's syndrome, which
can be life threatening. Acetaminophen, taken in large doses,
can also be dangerous because it may cause liver problems.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist, and be sure
to read the labels and directions before taking medication of
any kind.
Also see: Throat
Health, Sore Throat, and
Throat Cancer.
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