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Nov 19, 2022 · Learn how to distinguish between a common sore throat and a bacterial infection like strep throat. See pictures of signs, symptoms, and treatments for different types of sore throats.
- Overview
- Symptoms
- Strep throat vs. sore throat
- Treatment
- Causes
- When to see a doctor
- Complications
- Summary
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Symptoms of strep throat can include irritation, pus buildup, white patches, and small red spots in the throat.
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that results from contact with the A Streptococcus bacteria. This bacteria can be present in a person’s nose and throat and transmits via airborne droplets in their breath. Step A infections are typically easily treatable with antibiotics.
Strep throat can cause many uncomfortable symptoms. Examples include:
•sore throat, often so sore that it is difficult to swallow
•aches
•fever
•headache
•loss of appetite
A ‘sore throat’ is an umbrella term encompassing many conditions and causes. A person’s throat may be sore due to injury, burns, infections, and irritation from acid reflux or allergies. Strep throat is a singular form of the latter, and doctors can perform tests to differentiate it from other causes.
A visual examination and a strep test can typically diagnose strep throat. A strep test involves using a swab to take a saliva sample from the back of the throat. Doctors can test this sample for the presence of strep bacteria.
In addition to a visual exam and quick strep test, there are a few symptoms that could indicate that it is strep throat rather than another illness. For example, a strep infection is more likely to involve a fever than a viral infection.
Another difference is that strep throat usually doesn’t cause a cough, runny nose, or watery eyes. Viral infections and mucus in the throat from allergies or other conditions are more likely to cause a cough.
After confirming the diagnosis, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics, usually penicillin or amoxicillin.
Antibiotics can shorten the time that symptoms last, reduce the risk of transmitting the bacteria to others, and lessen the chance of further conditions, such as rheumatic fever, developing.
The bacteria that cause strep throat are group A Streptococcus. This bacteria can live in the human body without causing any symptoms but can still transmit at this stage.
Droplets in a person’s breath can carry infectious bacteria. Sneezing, sharing utensils, or touching an object after a person with strep throat has touched it can all spread the infection.
Anyone with a fever greater than 101 F and other strep throat symptoms should see their doctor. The presence of a fever can signal a bacterial infection that antibiotics may be able to treat.
In severe instances, strep throat can cause infections in areas other than the throat. Examples include any peritonsillar abscesses, ear, and blood. For this reason, it is important to seek treatment and to get a definitive diagnosis.
Peritonsillar abscesses are areas of pus-filled tissues at the back of the throat, next to the tonsils.
Antibiotics won’t treat other causes of an irritated throat, and taking medicines that aren’t needed can mean they work less well when someone really does have a bacterial infection.
Strep throat will usually go away without treatment.
However, the risk of some complications increases without treatment:
•acute rheumatic fever
•suppurative complications such as peritonsillar abscess
•scarlet fever
A doctor may recommend treatment with antibiotics to prevent these. Recurrent episodes may require tonsillectomy.
Strep throat is a bacterial respiratory infection that can cause inflammation, soreness, and discoloration in the throat.
The infection can be transmitted between people through airborne vapors and through contact with the bacteria on surfaces.
See pictures and symptoms of strep throat, a bacterial infection that causes sore throat, fever, and swollen tonsils. Learn how to diagnose, treat, and prevent strep throat and its complications.
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Nov 20, 2023 · Learn about the signs, causes, and treatment of strep throat, a contagious bacterial infection that causes sore throat and tonsillitis. See pictures of what strep throat looks like and how to prevent complications.
