Strep Throat Treatment
What Causes Strep Throat?
Strep throat is caused by a bacterial infection. The bacterial species in question – Streptococcus pyogenes – is a group A streptococcus which is highly contagious. Strep throat can spread quite easily, just as colds and flu can, through the airborne droplets which are created and spread via a cough or sneeze. The bacterial can be picked up by touching something which has been touched by an infectious person (again, this is similar to infectious processes of colds and flu).
Strep throat occurs most commonly in children aged five to fifteen; however it can occur in people of any age, and those who are immunosuppressed can be considered at higher risk than the general adult population.
Symptoms and Complications of Strep Throat
Few cases of sore throat actually classify as strep throat. The condition is classified as strep throat only when the organism causing the infection is S. pyogenes. Symptoms of strep throat may include the following:
- Throat pain and difficulty in swallowing
- Red, swollen tonsils (white patches or streaks of pus may sometimes be visible)
- Tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth (typically near the back of the mouth)
- Lymph nodes in the neck become swollen and tender
- Fever, headache, or rash
- Stomachache and vomiting (particularly in young children)
A strep throat infection is not dangerous in itself, but if left untreated it can cause serious complications. Possible complications of strep throat include tonsillitis, sinus infection, ear infection, scarlet fever, kidney inflammation, and rheumatic fever.
Rheumatic fever is a particularly serious potential complication. The fever causes the development of nodules (deposits of inflammatory material) on joints, skin, and muscles. The heart can be affected if nodules form there, and heart valves can be affected in a way which can cause scarring. In the most serious cases, the scarring can affect blood flow inside the heart.
Strep Throat Treatment
Due to the possibility of these serious complications, getting prompt strep throat treatment is important. If you suspect strep throat, visit a doctor as soon as possible.
To diagnose strep throat, your doctor will normally order a throat culture test, in which the throat is swabbed, to get a sample of bacteria. The sample is then cultured in a laboratory to determine whether S. pyogenes is present.
Strep throat treatment commonly consists of a course of oral antibiotics to ease symptoms and reduce the duration of the illness, and reduce the risk of complications such as rheumatic fever. Remember that the full course of antibiotics should be taken to prevent recurrent infection.