Strep throat is easy to treat; however, if it is left, there is a chance it may lead to complications, these can include:. Many doctors say there is not much we can do to prevent sore throats that are caused by bacterial or viral infections. The following tips may help reduce the frequency of sore throats, and probably help prevent complications:. A look at tightness in the throat, an uncomfortable feeling that has a range of causes. Included is detail on anxiety and the symptoms of the….
Pharyngitis, or a sore throat, is an inflammation of the pharynx that can cause discomfort and difficulty swallowing. Learn more here. Norovirus can give a person many symptoms, including diarrhea and nausea. Find out about the relationship between norovirus and a sore throat here. There are several possible causes for throat irritation, including allergies, strep throat, and the common cold. Learn more about some of these causes…. Salt water gargles are a cheap, easy, and natural alternative to medicated mouthwashes.
Gargling with salt water can help clean the mouth and ease…. What to know about strep throat Medically reviewed by Nancy Choi, M. What is strep throat? Symptoms When to see a doctor Diagnosis Treatment Complications Prevention Strep throat is a sore throat caused by bacteria known as Streptococcus pyogenes, or group A streptococcus.
There are two different germs that cause sore throats: viruses and bacteria. Most sore throats are caused by viruses. If untreated, it can lead to complications and be spread to others. Strep throat is contagious can be spread to others. The strep bacteria hang out in the nose and throat.
When the infected person coughs, sneezes or talks, the germs go into the air. The germs are then breathed in or caught by touching something that the germs are on contaminated. Strep throat is most common in school age children but anyone can be infected with strep. Antibiotic medicine must be given as soon as possible to prevent the strep germs from spreading in the body.
The bacteria can cause damage to the kidneys or to the heart Rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever can cause painful and swollen joints, a specific type of rash, or harm the heart. There are some people with strep who should not be given antibiotics. If your child gets a sore throat and you know that he or she is a strep carrier, the doctor will treat it like a virus. When a child has a cough, hoarseness, red eyes and runny nose, it may be due to a virus, the flu or a different illness rather than strep.
A sample will be taken from the throat and tested. Two cotton-tipped swabs will be swiped over the back of the throat and tonsils.
Your doctor may perform a rapid antigen test on a swab sample from your throat. This test can detect strep bacteria in minutes by looking for substances antigens in the throat.
If the test is negative but your doctor still suspects strep, he or she might do a throat culture. Molecular polymerase chain reaction, or PCR test. This test is also done using a swab sample from your throat. Throat culture. A sterile swab is rubbed over the back of the throat and tonsils to get a sample of the secretions. It's not painful, but it may cause gagging. The sample is then cultured in a laboratory for the presence of bacteria, but results can take as long as two days.
More Information Recurring strep throat: When is tonsillectomy useful? Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Strep throat: All you need to know. Having strep throat does not protect someone from getting it again in the future.
While there is no vaccine to prevent strep throat, there are things people can do to protect themselves and others. The best way to keep from getting or spreading group A strep is to wash your hands often.
This is especially important after coughing or sneezing and before preparing foods or eating. To practice good hygiene, you should:. You should also wash glasses, utensils, and plates after someone who is sick uses them. These items are safe for others to use once washed.
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The most common symptoms of strep throat include: Sore throat that can start very quickly Pain when swallowing Fever Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus Tiny, red spots petechiae — pronounced pi-TEE-kee-eye on the roof of the mouth the soft or hard palate Swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck Other symptoms may include a headache, stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting — especially in children.
The following symptoms suggest a virus is the cause of the illness instead of strep throat: Cough Runny nose Hoarseness changes in your voice that makes it sound breathy, raspy, or strained Conjunctivitis also called pink eye It usually takes two to five days for someone exposed to group A strep to become ill.
Children and Certain Adults Are at Increased Risk Anyone can get strep throat, but there are some factors that can increase the risk of getting this common infection. Adults who are at increased risk for strep throat include: Parents of school-aged children Adults who are often in contact with children Close contact with another person with strep throat is the most common risk factor for illness. These settings include: Schools Daycare centers Military training facilities.
Strep Throat: More Common in Children. Up to 3 in 10 children with a sore throat have strep throat About 1 in 10 adults with a sore throat has strep throat.
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