Streptococcal pharyngitis or streptococcal sore throat is a type of group A streptococcal infection that affects the pharynx and possibly the larynx and tonsils. Strep throat usually appears suddenly with a severe sore throat that may make talking or swallowing painful. In severe cases, breathing may be impaired.
Signs and symptoms may include:
- Sudden and severe sore throat
- Red and enlarged tonsils
- Yellow and white patches in the throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Tender, swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Fever
- Headache (often prior to other symptoms)
- General discomfort, feeling ill or uneasy
- Bad Breath
- Abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting
- Rash
- Hives
- Chills
Additional symptoms such as sinusitis, vaginitis, or impetigo may be present if the strep bacteria infects both the throat and a secondary location. There are several causes for sore throat, not just streptococcus bacteria. Productive coughing, nasal discharge, and red, irritated eyes in addition to fever and sore throat are more indicative of a viral sore throat than of strep throat, though a co-infection with a virus is possible and may explain the presence of these additional symptoms.
A Rapid Strep Test or a throat culture may be needed to help clarify diagnosis.
The presence of marked lymph node enlargement along with sore throat, fever and tonsillar enlargement may also occur in infectious mononucleosis. The following four best predictors of streptococcus are:
- Lack of cough
- Swollen and tender anterior cervical lymph nodes
- (Marked) tonsillar exudates
- Fever
Strep throat is spread by direct, close contact with an infected person via air-based germs. In addition, it may be spread through contamination of pillow cases, toys, toothbrushes and other often-used materials. Rarely, contaminated food, especially milk and milk products, can result in outbreaks. The incubation period for strep throat is thought to be between two to five days, but has been reported as long as eight days.
The symptoms of strep throat usually improve even without treatment in five days, but the patient is contagious for several weeks. Lack of treatment or incomplete treatment of strep throat can lead to various complications. Some of them may pose serious health risks. Therefore, streptococcal tonsillitis is important to recognize and treat early. The patient is considered to be contagious up to three days after being treated with antibiotics.
Complications from disseminated Streptococcal infection (originating in the throat):
- Scarlet Fever : a red, raised skin rash caused by toxins released by the bacteria
- Acute Rheumatic Fever: sore joints, heart disease, involuntary movements and skin manifestations may occur
- Streptococcal Toxic shock syndrome: septic shock and multiple organ failure
- Glomerulonephritis: a form of kidney failure in which antibodies directed against the Streptococcus bacteria become lodged in the kidney, causing damage to the kidney itself
- PANDAS Syndrome : a neurological disorder which can result in permanent injury. Symptoms include Obsessive-Compulsive Type disorders and involuntary movements
- Herpes may be aggravated post-infection
Strep throat can turn out to be more that just a sore throat or a childhood nuisance. Getting early treatment prevents complications and minimizes the spread of the infection.
Please note: The information in this article is not to be followed as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with your physician or primary health practitioner for information regarding your own personal health and necessary treatments.
