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Can strep throat cause serious complications?
What happens If strep throat is left untreated?
What are some non-suppurative complications after strep throat?
Jun 30, 2020 · What complications can arise from untreated strep throat? If you have strep throat and don't get antibiotics to knock out the bacteria, the infection could travel to other parts of your body. This could cause a variety of complications, including:
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Signs and symptoms of strep throat can include:
•Throat pain that usually comes on quickly
•Painful swallowing
•Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus
•Tiny red spots on the area at the back of the roof of the mouth (soft or hard palate)
•Swollen, tender lymph nodes in your neck
Call your doctor if you or your child has any of these signs and symptoms:
•A sore throat accompanied by tender, swollen lymph glands
•A sore throat that lasts longer than 48 hours
•A fever
•A sore throat accompanied by a rash
•Problems breathing or swallowing
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Strep throat is caused by infection with a bacterium known as Streptococcus pyogenes, also called group A streptococcus.
Streptococcal bacteria are contagious. They can spread through droplets when someone with the infection coughs or sneezes, or through shared food or drinks. You can also pick up the bacteria from a doorknob or other surface and transfer them to your nose, mouth or eyes.
Several factors can increase your risk of strep throat infection:
•Young age. Strep throat occurs most commonly in children.
Spread of infection
Strep bacteria may spread, causing infection in:
Inflammatory reactions
Strep infection may lead to inflammatory illnesses, including:
To prevent strep infection:
•Wash your hands. Proper hand-washing is the best way to prevent all kinds of infections. That's why it's important to wash your own hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Teach your children how to wash their hands properly using soap and water or to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if there is no soap and water available.
•Cover your mouth. Teach your children to cover their mouths with an elbow or tissue when they cough or sneeze.
•Don't share personal items. Don't share drinking glasses or eating utensils. Wash dishes in hot, soapy water or in a dishwasher.
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By Mayo Clinic Staff
•Know the signs of strep throat in children
Jan 19, 2024 · Complications can include: Abscesses (pockets of pus) around the tonsils or in the neck; Sinus infections; Ear infections; Rheumatic fever (a disease that can affect the heart, joints, brain, and skin) Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (a kidney disease) Protect yourself and others. People can get strep throat more than once.
Dec 20, 2022 · What kind of complications can strep throat cause? Left untreated, the bacteria that cause strep throat can spread to other parts of your body. This can cause serious complications, including: Ear or sinus infections: Infections can occur when bacteria cause swelling and inflammation in your ears or sinuses.
Apr 2, 2023 · Some of the people with a higher chance of getting a strep complication include: Children with chickenpox. Those with weakened immune systems. Older folks with diabetes or cancer. Someone who...
Nov 20, 2023 · If left untreated, strep throat can lead to more severe complications such as glomerulonephritis (a kidney disorder) and rheumatic fever (a potentially serious illness that can damage heart valves). These conditions are not common but are important to avoid.
Nov 1, 2022 · Complications. Other Causes of Throat Pain. Frequently Asked Questions. Next in Strep Throat Guide. Causes and Risk Factors of Strep Throat. Strep throat is a bacterial infection with a number of classic signs and symptoms, such as: Sore throat. Swelling in the back of the throat. Enlarged tonsils. Bad breath. Fever. Chills. Headaches.
