Strep Throat
What is Strep Throat ?
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that can make your throat feel sore and scratchy. Strep throat accounts for only a small portion of sore throats. If left untreated, strep throat can lead to complications, including kidney inflammation or rheumatic fever.
Rheumatic fever can lead to painful and inflamed joints, a distinctive type of rash, or damage to the heart valves. Strep throat is most common in children, but it affects people of all ages. If you or your child has signs or symptoms of strep throat, see your doctor for prompt testing and treatment.
Symptoms
- Throat pain that usually comes on quickly
- Painful swallowing
- Red and swollen tonsils
- Tiny red spots on the area
- Swollen, tender lymph nodes in your neck
- Fever
- Headache
- Rash
- Nausea or vomiting
- Body aches
Cause
Strep throat is caused by infection with a bacterium known as Streptococcus pyogenes, also called group A streptococcus. Streptococcal bacteria are contagious. They can spread through droplets when someone with the infection coughs or sneezes, or through shared food or drinks. You can also pick up the bacteria from a doorknob or other surface and transfer them to your nose, mouth, or eyes.
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase your risk of strep throat infection:
- Young age. Strep throat occurs most commonly in children.
- Time of year. Although strep throat can occur anytime, it tends to circulate in winter and early spring. Strep bacteria flourish wherever groups of people are in close contact.
When to see a Doctor
Call your doctor if you or your child has any of these signs and symptoms a sore throat accompanied by tender, swollen lymph glands, a sore throat that lasts longer than 48 hours, a fever, a sore throat accompanied by a rash, problems breathing or swallowing, if strep has been diagnosed, a lack of improvement after taking antibiotics for 48 hours.