Strep Throat: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that causes soreness and scratchiness in the throat. Only a small percentage of sore throats are caused by strep throat. It can lead to problems such as kidney irritation or rheumatic fever if left untreated. Rheumatic fever can cause painful and inflamed joints, a specific type of rash, and damage to the heart valves. Children are the most common victims of strep throat, although it may afflict anyone of any age. If you or your kid develops strep throat symptoms, consult your doctor right away for testing and treatment.
Strep Throat Symptoms
The following are some of the signs and symptoms of early strep throat:
- A severe pain in the throat.
- Swallowing is painful.
- Tonsils that are red and swollen, with white patches or pus streaks.
- Tiny red patches on the roof of the mouth, near the back (soft or hard palate)
- Neck lymph nodes that are swollen and painful
- Fever
- Headache
- Rash
- Nausea or vomiting, especially in children under the age of six.
- Aches in the body
Many of these signs and symptoms may be present in you or your kid, yet you or your child may not have strep throat. A viral infection or another sickness could be the source of these signs and symptoms.
Strep Throat Causes
Bacterial Infection (Streptococcus pyogenes):
Strep throat is predominantly caused by an infection with Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria, commonly known as group A streptococcus. This bacterium is highly contagious and primarily spreads through respiratory droplets expelled by infected individuals through coughing, sneezing, or talking. Additionally, touching surfaces contaminated with the bacteria can also facilitate transmission.
Close Contact:
Close contact with an infected person, such as living in the same household or being in crowded environments like schools or daycare centres, increases the risk of contracting strep throat. The bacteria can quickly spread in such settings, especially among individuals with weakened immune systems.
Weakened Immune System:
Individuals with weakened immune systems due to factors such as stress, fatigue, malnutrition, or underlying health conditions are more susceptible to developing strep throat infections. A compromised immune system may not effectively combat the streptococcal bacteria, allowing them to increase and cause disease.
Poor Hygiene:
Poor hygiene practices, such as inadequate handwashing, can contribute to the spread of streptococcal bacteria. Failing to wash hands properly after coughing, sneezing, or using the restroom can transfer bacteria to surfaces and increase the risk of transmission to others.
Seasonal Factors:
Strep throat infections often peak during the fall and winter months, coinciding with the cold and flu season. The colder weather and indoor crowding create optimal conditions for the spread of respiratory infections, including strep throat.
Risk factors
Several things can increase your chances of contracting strep throat:
- Age : The most common victims of strep throat are children.
- Season : Despite the fact that strep throat can strike at any time, it is more common in the winter and early spring. Strep germs thrive in situations when large groups of people are in close proximity.
How Can Strep Throat be Prevented?
To avoid strep infection, take the following precautions:
- Wash your hands: Hand washing is the most effective approach to prevent all types of diseases. That's why it's critical to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds on a frequent basis. Teach your children how to wash their hands with soap and water properly, or how to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Cover your mouth with your hand: When your children cough or sneeze, teach them to cover their mouths with an elbow or a tissue.
- Personal items should not be shared: Drinking glasses and eating utensils should not be shared. Dishes can be washed in hot, soapy water or put in the dishwasher.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will perform a physical examination, search for signs and symptoms of strep throat, and most likely prescribe one or more of the tests listed below:
- Antigen test: A swab sample from your throat may be used in a quick antigen test by your doctor. By examining for chemicals (antigens) in the throat, this test can detect strep bacteria in minutes. If the test is negative but your doctor still suspects strep, a throat culture may be performed
- A PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test: It is a type of molecular test. A swab sample from your throat is also used for this test.
- Throat culture: A sample of the secretions and a sterile swab are rubbed over the back of the throat and tonsils. It's not painful, but it could make you gag. The sample is then cultured in a lab to see if germs are present, but results can take up to two days.
Strep Throat Treatment
Some medications can be used to treat strep throat, alleviate its symptoms, and avoid complications and spread.
Antibiotics
The primary treatment for strep throat is a course of antibiotics, typically penicillin or amoxicillin, to eradicate the bacterial infection. Antibiotics help reduce the duration and severity of symptoms, prevent complications, and minimize the spread of the infection to others. It's essential to complete the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed by a healthcare professional, even if symptoms improve before finishing the medication.
Pain Relief Medications:
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help alleviate symptoms of sore throat, fever, and discomfort associated with strep throat. These medications can also reduce inflammation and provide relief from headaches or body aches.
Throat Lozenges or Sprays: Throat lozenges containing numbing agents like benzocaine or throat sprays with soothing ingredients such as menthol can help relieve throat pain and irritation caused by strep throat. These products can provide temporary relief and improve swallowing comfort.
Hydration and Rest:
Adequate hydration and rest are essential for supporting the body's immune response and promoting recovery from strep throat. Drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, herbal teas, or warm broth, helps soothe the throat and prevent dehydration. Resting allows the body to sustain energy and focus on fighting the infection.
Warm Saltwater Gargle:
Gargling with warm salt water can help reduce throat inflammation, alleviate pain, and promote the healing of irritated tissues. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle several times a day, being careful not to swallow the mixture.
Humidifier or Steam Inhalation:
Using a humidifier or inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water can moisten the airways, soothe throat irritation, and ease breathing. Adding essential oils such as eucalyptus or peppermint to the steam can provide additional relief from congestion and discomfort.
