Strep throat is an infectious disease which caused by streptococcal bacteria. The common symptoms, which may be mild or severe, are sore throat, swollen lymph nodes in neck area, swollen throat and tonsils, and fever. Indications of pus like white or yellowish patches visible on tonsils may also be present.

The disease is common in young children and among teenage kids. It most likely occurs in ages between 5 to 15 years old children, which is common among students confined in an enclosed space, and, in most cases, Streptococcus spp bacteria is the primary cause. Adults are less vulnerable to this disease at about 5 – 10% cases of sore throat.

Viral infection may also cause strep throat. This does not require treatment as compared with bacterial infection that needs antibiotics as treatment. However, to avoid complications, the disease must be addressed.

What is the cause of Strep Throat ?

Streptococcus pyogenes of Group A Streptococcus (GAS), bacteria causes strep throat. The bacterial infection takes the pharyngeal tissues causing inflammation in the affected area. The same type of bacteria which is often found in the skin and throat causes other disease like skin infirmity like impetigo. Some people may be asymptomatic or carrier of this type of bacteria but may not show any signs or symptoms of it.

Is Strep Throat Contagious?

Strep throat is communicable or may be transferred from one person to another. Transmission may be by physical contact with the saliva or nasal fluids, which may be airborne, from a carrier person which is within a close proximity. Usually this occurs in schools, households or offices.

Strep Throat Symptoms

The incubation period for strep throat is between 1 to 4 days after exposure to the bacteria. The symptoms are sore throat and swollen tonsils and the back of the throat. There is pain in swallowing food and the patient may suffer risk of dehydration.

Accurate diagnosis of strep throat based on symptoms alone may be difficult as there are similar symptoms between bacterial and viral infection. However, the common signs of strep throat are the following:

sore throat,
the lymph nodes on the sides of the neck are swollen and tender (cervical lymphadenopathy), and
the tonsils or on the back of the throat may have white or yellowish patches (tonsillar exudates).

Here are some symptoms which may be associated with strep throat:

  • headache,
  • abdominal pain (usually in the lower stomach),
  • nausea and vomiting,
  • feeling ill or uneasy,
  • loss of appetite,
  • small red spots on the soft or hard palate,
  • rashes on the skin (scarlet fever).

A possibility of strep throat may be inferred from any of these symptoms: cough, runny nose, red eyes hoarseness, muscle pains, mouth ulcers, and diarrhea. The said symptoms are typical of viral infections but may be manifest symptoms of strep throat as every individual may exhibit different symptoms of the disease.

In case of infants, strep throat may be manifested by symptoms of irritability, low-grade fever, and abnormal nasal discharge.

In case of children, complaints of sore throat and difficulty in swallowing may be symptoms of the disease. They may lose appetite and experience pain in the lower abdomen.

In case of older children and teenagers, strep throat may be extremely uncomfortable as they may be suffering severe sore throat, high fever, and weakness.

In case of adults, only mild sore throat may be felt as symptom of strep throat.

Diagnosis of Sore Throat

Diagnosis of sore throat is generally not needed. However, if the symptoms persist for a couple of weeks, medical help is needed and a blood test may be prescribed especially if the doctor suspects that the patient may be suffering glandular fever.

Diagnosis of Strep throat or Throat Infection

In diagnosing strep throat, the doctor usually examines the patient of the visible symptoms of strep throat and ask questions from the latter. Since bacterial and viral causes of strep throat exhibits the same symptoms, the doctor may order any of the following tests:

Throat culture – this is done by rubbing a swab against the tonsils and the back of the throat. Laboratory result may be had in a few days.

Rapid antigen test – this is done by taking swab sample and detect antigens or foreign substances in the throat. This is ready available in minutes but not as accurate as laboratory tests. This is the reason why most doctors prescribe the same test be done on patients.

Rapid DNA test – this test is used to identify the strep throat infection in just a day and much more accurate than the aforesaid tests.

Strep Throat Treatments

Generally, treatments are not necessary as the symptoms go away after a week or so. Also, over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, paracetamol and ibuprufen are available to relieve the symptoms. However, aspirin is not recommended for patients with kidney problems. In Europe, children under 16 years old are not allowed to take aspirin.

These may also help alleviate symptoms of sore throat:

  • Foods or drinks should not be hot to irritate the throat.
  • Cold and soft foods may relieve symptoms of sore throat.
  • Warm drinks help relieve symptoms.
  • Sucking ice cubes relieve symptoms
  • Smoking irritates the throat.
  • Mouthwash reduces swelling and pain. Lukewarm water with salt best relieves pain.
  • Antibiotics help alleviate pain.

In bacterial infections, patients should not be given antibiotics.

Antibiotics for Strep Throat

Here are some antibiotics which have been developed for strep throat treatment:

Penicillin – this has been around for years. However, the right type of penicillin is necessary for proper remedy. Penicillin V is used for treating strep throat and administered orally for 10 days and usually given 2 to 3 times a day.

Amoxicillin – this type of antibiotic is of the penicillin family and has been a good treatment for strep throat symptoms. This is a good alternative to those who are allergic to penicillin. Amoxicillin is usually taken once a day with a significant lower risk of side effects.

Erythromycin – infections from streptococcus can be treated with this antibiotic. This destroys the DNA of the bacteria and stops their multiplication.

Strep Throat Prevention

Strep throat may be prevented and complication from the disease may be avoided by the following tips:

  • Proper nutrition – a balanced diet, fruit and vegetables, whole grains, fats like olive oil and avocado, and lean proteins help prevent infection by strengthening immune system.
  • Exercise – regular exercise boosts immune system
  • Enough sleep – allows the body to recharge and improves immune system
  • Non-smoking – cigarette smoking irritates the throat and this should be avoided
  • Proper hygiene – frequent washing of hands prevent the spread of streptococcus bacteria
  • Cover the mouth when coughing or sneezing to avoid spread of bacteria and virus
  • Never share personal effects as they may be contaminated by streptococcus and other form of bacteria and viruses.
  • Vaccination from flu – as this prevents flu recurrence and reduces the suffering of sore throat as a symptom of flu.

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