What Is Strep Throat? Causes, Symptoms, Complications, Treatments And Prevention

Strep throat is a common bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as group A streptococcus (GAS). The bacterium is ubiquitous or found everywhere as it is a human-specific pathogen and may cause mild to life-threatening infections in humans.

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As the name suggests, strep throat is an infection of the throat and tonsils. It is a serious form of sore throat and may last for more than five days. Strep throat is also a contagious infection like flu and cold and usually affects school-going children.

In this article, we will discuss all about strep throat. Take a look.

Causes Of Strep Throat

According to a study, infections such as strep throat caused by Streptococcus pyogenes are highly contagious; which is why it can spread from one individual to another in ways like airborne droplets, nasal discharge, hand or skin contact, contaminated food sources, contaminated wounds or lesions or through contaminated objects or surfaces. [1]

The infection is prevalent during the winter season between the months of November to April.

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Symptoms Of Strep Throat

Some of the symptoms of strep throat may include: [2]

• Feeling soreness in the throat.
• Scratchy throat.
• Pain in the throat.
• Difficulties or pain during swallowing.
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
• Headache
• Fever
• Nausea or vomiting
• Swollen tonsils
• Redness or tiny spots at the upper back of the mouth.
• Body pain
• Loss of appetite
• Rashes

Who Are At The Increased Risk Of Strep Throat?

Children between 5-15 years of age are at an increased risk of strep throat. According to the CDC, the infection is rare in children who are below three years of age and affects only around 5-10 per cent of adults, especially parents of school-going children and tutors.

Strep throat spreads among family members when they come in close contact with another family member who has the infection.

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Complications Of Strep Throat

Untreated strep throat for a longer period can cause complications like: [3]

• Acute rheumatic fever
• Glomerulonephritis, inflammation of the tiny filters of the kidneys.
• Neuropsychiatric disorders like anxiety, obsessive or compulsive behaviours, depression and developmental regression.
• Pus-filled disease or condition.
• Middle-ear infection
• Sinuses

Diagnosis Of Strep Throat

Some of the methods to diagnose strep throat may include:

• Throat culture: To identify the type of infection (bacteria, viral or fungal). [4]
• Rapid antigen test: To identify strep bacteria in the swab sample from the throat region.
• Antistreptolysin O titre tests: This test is suggested in case of suspected suppurative complications related to strep throat. [5]

Treatments Of Strep Throat

Some of the treatment methods for strep throat may include:

• Antibiotic: This is the first-line treatment method for strep throat and includes antibiotic medications like amoxicillin.
• Other medications: Some medications like vancomycin and clindamycin are used to treat severe forms of strep throat such as fever with diarrhoea or blood in the stool. Medications like ibuprofen are also used to ease fever and pain symptoms.

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How To Prevent Strep Throat?

• Take adequate rest to allow the body to develop antibodies and fight the infection.
• Consume warm foods like soups, herbal teas and broths to get relief from itching and dryness of the throat.
• Drink plenty of water as it may help swallow foods by keeping the throat lubricated.
• Throat-based lozenges are also a good option.
• Gargle with salt and warm water.
• Use a cool-mist humidifier to add moisture to the air.
• Stay away from irritants like tobacco smoking.