😷 Strep Throat – Overview
Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils caused by group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes). It is common in children and teens, but can affect people of all ages.
🦠 Cause:
- Group A Streptococcus (GAS) bacteria
🧒 Who’s at Risk?
- Most common in children aged 5–15 years
- Spread by respiratory droplets (coughing, sneezing)
- Close contact (schools, daycare centers) increases transmission
🩺 Symptoms:
- Sudden sore throat
- Painful swallowing
- Fever (often >101°F / 38.3°C)
- Red, swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or pus
- Swollen, tender lymph nodes in the neck
- Headache, nausea, or vomiting (especially in children)
- Fine, sandpaper-like rash (if accompanied by scarlet fever)
- No cough (distinguishes it from viral sore throats)
🔬 Diagnosis:
- Rapid strep test (quick, in-office result)
- Throat culture (more accurate; results in 1–2 days)
💊 Treatment:
- Antibiotics (usually penicillin or amoxicillin)
- Reduces duration of symptoms
- Prevents complications (e.g., rheumatic fever)
- Limits spread to others
- Supportive care:
- Pain relievers (acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
- Fluids and rest
- Warm saltwater gargles
⚠️ Possible Complications (if untreated):
- Rheumatic fever (can affect heart, joints)
- Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (kidney inflammation)
- Peritonsillar abscess
- Otitis media (ear infection)