Strep Throat

Strep throat, also known as streptococcal pharyngitis, is a bacterial infection caused by Group A Streptococcus (GAS). It is a common illness that affects the throat and tonsils, causing pain, inflammation, and discomfort.

Symptoms

• Painful sore throat
• Red and swollen tonsils
• White or yellow patches on the tonsils
• Fever, usually high (over 101°F)
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• Headache
• Stomachache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rash (in some cases)

Causes and Risk Factors

Strep throat is caused by the Group A Streptococcus bacterium, which is highly contagious. The infection can spread through:

• Close contact with an infected person
• Sharing food or drinks
• Coughing or sneezing
• Touching contaminated surfaces

Risk factors for developing strep throat include:

• Age: Strep throat is most common in children between 5-15 years old
• Weakened immune system
• Poor hygiene
• Crowded living conditions

Diagnosis

A diagnosis of strep throat is typically made through a combination of:

• Physical examination
• Medical history
• Rapid strep test (RST): A quick test that detects the presence of GAS antibodies
• Throat culture: A more accurate test that involves sending a throat swab to a laboratory for analysis

Treatments

The primary treatment for strep throat is antibiotics, which help to:

• Eliminate the bacterial infection
• Reduce the risk of complications
• Shorten the duration of symptoms

Commonly prescribed antibiotics for strep throat include:

• Penicillin
• Amoxicillin
• Azithromycin (for those allergic to penicillin)

In addition to antibiotics, other treatments may include:

• Pain relief medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• Throat lozenges or sprays to soothe the throat
• Rest and hydration to help the body recover

Complications

If left untreated, strep throat can lead to complications such as:

• Rheumatic fever: A rare but serious condition that can cause heart damage
• Kidney inflammation (poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis)
• Abscesses or pockets of pus in the throat
• Sinusitis or ear infections

Prevention

To reduce the risk of developing strep throat, practice good hygiene by:

• Washing hands frequently with soap and water
• Avoiding close contact with people who have strep throat
• Not sharing food or drinks
• Covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing