Know everything about strep throat

Know Everything about Strep Throat

Strep throat is a contagious bacterial infection that causes inflammation and pain in the throat. It is also referred as Streptococcal pharyngitis or streptococcal sore throat; it is a common condition only ever caused by Streptococcus bacteria. Strep throat can affect both adults as well as children. However, it is more common among children between ages 5 to 15 years. Sneezing and coughing can spread the infection from one person to another.

Streptococcal bacteria are extremely contagious and can spread through airborne droplets when a sick person sneezes or coughs. Most of the sore throats are caused by viruses, most commonly a cold or flu virus. A viral sore throat will typically get better by itself, and has a low probability of complications.

Symptoms of strep throat The severity of strep throat may differ from person-to-person. Some people experience mild symptoms like a sore throat, whereas other people have more severe symptoms including fever and difficulty swallowing. The common symptoms of strep throat include: 

A sore, red throat with white patches

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A sudden fever, especially if it’s 101˚f or higher

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Chills

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Swollen and tender glands (lymph) on the sides of the neck

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Trouble swallowing

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Tonsils are painful and/or swollen

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A loss of appetite

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Body aches

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General discomfort, feeling ill or uneasy

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Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

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Headache, nausea and vomiting

The symptoms of strep throat typically develop within five days of exposure to the bacteria.

Complications Potential complications if it is left untreated strep throat can cause serious health condition such as, sinus infection (sinusitis), ear infection (otitis media) , meningitis, pneumonia, kidney disease, rheumatic fever and heart. Of these, rheumatic fever, kidney disease and heart are of most concern.

Diagnosis The health care specialist will examine the patient and look for signs of strep throat or throat infection. At the initial stage it is impossible to understand, whether it is caused due to bacteria or some infection. As some viral infection, may show a worst sign than a cause by streptococcal bacteria.

Your doctor may advise you to do one or more of the following tests to find out the actual cause: 

Throat culture

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Rapid antigen test

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Rapid DNA test

Treatment 1. Antibiotics If you’re diagnosed with strep throat, your doctor will prescribe you an antibiotic to treat the infection. 

Antibiotics are only used when the throat infection is severe

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Penicillin and amoxicillin are the most common medications given for a strep infection.

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It’s important that you finish your antibiotic treatment course to kill the infection completely.

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Stopping the treatment or medication course in between can trigger a relapse.

2. Surgery Tonsillectomy - if somebody, usually has tonsillitis (infection of the tonsils) then the doctor may suggest taking them out surgically (having a tonsillectomy).

3. Alternative Remedies There are a number of at-home care remedies to improve the symptoms of strep throat.

They are: 

drinking warm liquids

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Cool drinks and cool soft foods may help to numb the throat

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turning on a cool-mist humidifier

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taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen

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sucking on throat lozenges

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gargling the mixture of 1/2 teaspoon of salt to 1 cup of water

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avoiding foods or drinks that are very hot, they may cause irritation may reduce swelling and alleviate pain

Prevention However, it is nearly impossible to prevent strep throats that are caused by bacteria or viral infections. Here are some preventive measures that you can consider to reduce the frequency of strep throat and probably help prevent further complications. 

Follow a rich and a well-balanced diet to boost the immune system

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Regular exercise helps the immune system.

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Lack of sleep weakens your immune system.

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Quit smoking

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Wash your hands regularly; it is an effective way of preventing most infections.

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Cover the mouth when coughing - this protects other people.

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Isolate personal items

Note- This article is originally appeared on http://healthfirstmagazine.blogspot.com/2017/04/know-everything-about-strep-throat.html