Strep throat is a bacterial infection that can make your throat feel sore and scratchy. Strep throat accounts for only a small portion of sore throats.
If untreated, strep throat can cause complications, such as kidney inflammation or rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever can lead to painful and inflamed joints, a specific type of rash, or heart valve damage.
Strep throat is most common in children, but it affects people of all ages. If you or your child has signs or symptoms of strep throat, see your doctor for prompt testing and treatment.
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Symptoms
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Strep throat infection
Strep throat infection
Strep throat usually causes throat pain and difficulty swallowing. This photo of strep throat shows inflammation and red spots, caused by the infection.
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
- Fever
- Headache
- Rash
- Nausea or vomiting, especially in younger children
- Body aches
It's possible for you or your child to have many of these signs and symptoms but not have strep throat. The cause of these signs and symptoms could be a viral infection or some other illness. That's why your doctor generally tests specifically for strep throat.
It's also possible for you to be exposed to a person who carries strep but shows no symptoms.
When to see a doctor
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
- If strep has been diagnosed, a lack of improvement after taking antibiotics for 48 hours
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CDC is looking into an increase in invasive group A strep (iGAS) infections among children in the United States. iGAS infections include necrotizing fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome.
Strep throat is an infection of the throat and tonsils. It causes pain, redness, or pus in the back of the throat.
Sore Throat Due to InflammationCauses
Strep throat is caused by streptococcal (strep) bacteria. The strep bacteria is spread by airborne droplets. This occurs with coughing or sneezing from infected people, or by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. The droplets can also be inhaled.
Risk Factors
Strep throat is more common in children and adolescents. Other factors that increase your chance of strep throat include:
- Exposure to family member or friend who has strep throat
- Crowded living situations
- Having strep living in the throat—occurs in a large segment of the population
Symptoms
Strep throat may cause:
- Red, sore throat with white patches
- Headache
- Swollen, sore glands in the neck
- Fever
- Red spots on the roof of the mouth
- Painful, difficult swallowing
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Nausea and possibly vomiting
- Decreased appetite
- Rash
- Muscle aches, especially in the neck, and abdominal pains, especially in younger children
- Swelling in back of mouth
Complications of untreated strep throat can be serious and include:
Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (kidney damage) is also rare, but it can occur, even with treatment
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. The doctor may assume strep throat based on symptoms. Tests may be done to confirm. Tests may include:
- Rapid antigen strep screen—fast test that may not detect all strep throat.
- Throat culture—A sample of throat fluid is taken to a lab. It takes a few days to gets results.
- Rapid DNA test—results are usually available in 1 day. Can tell the difference between strep and other throat infections.
Treatment
Most sore throats, including strep throat, will get better in 7 to 10 days. Although the sore throat disappears, the infection may remain. It is important to follow through with proper treatment to prevent serious complications.
Medications
Antibiotics will be given to treat the infection. They may be given as a pill or a shot. Symptoms will often fade in the first few days of treatment. It is important to take all of the antibiotics as prescribed.
Over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers may also help.
Note: Aspirin is not recommended for children with a current or recent viral infection. Check with your doctor before giving your child aspirin.
Prevention
To help reduce your chances of strep throat:
- Wash your hands carefully and often.
- Do not share beverages or food.
- Avoid exposure to other people who may have a strep infection.
- Replace your toothbrush after starting antibiotic treatment to prevent re-infecting yourself.
Resources
American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery
//www.entnet.org
Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians
//familydoctor.org
Canadian Resources
About Kids Health—The Hospital for Sick Children
//www.aboutkidshealth.ca
Health Canada
//www.canada.ca
References
Choby BA. Diagnosis and treatment of streptococcal pharyngitis. Am Fam Physician. 2009;79(5):383-390.
Montagnani F, Stolzuoli L, et al. Erythromycin resistance in Streptococcus pyogenes and macrolide consumption in a central Italian region. Infection. 2009;37(4):353-357.
Sore throat. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: //www.merckmanuals.com/professional/ear,-nose,-and-throat-disorders/approach-to-the-patient-with-nasal-and-pharyngeal-symptoms/sore-throat. Accessed January 29, 2021.
Sore throats. American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery website. Available at: //www.entnet.org/content/sore-throats. Accessed January 29, 2021.
Streptococcal pharyngitis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: //www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T115782/Streptococcal-pharyngitis. Accessed January 29, 2021.