A sore throat is uncomfortable and can quickly escalate into a painful experience, prompting a desperate search for relief. While many tend to dismiss a sore throat as a minor issue, it can sometimes indicate a more serious condition. One such condition is strep throat, a bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus. Recent data shows that infections from group A strep have been increasing since 2014; moreover, this increase has been noticed primarily amongst adults.
In this blog, we will explore more about what is strep throat, its causes, strep throat symptoms, and treatment options available, guiding you toward a swift recovery and better health.
Strep Throat Meaning
Strep throat is caused by bacterial infection, while viral infections cause most sore throats. Viral sore throat is usually accompanied by symptoms such as cough and runny nose, but sudden throat pain, swollen tonsils, and white or red spots, usually without cold-like symptoms, characterise strep throat.
Strep Throat Causes
Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by the Group A Streptococcus bacterium. This primarily affects the throat, the posterior pharynx, and the tonsils, resulting in redness, pain, and swelling.
The most typical incidence of strep throat occurs in children of 5 to 15 years, especially in school or crowded settings. Adults who are close to children or anyone working in the health care field more often are at risk. Crowded environments and cool, damp settings also tend to boost the spread of strep throat. People with a weakened immune system are more susceptible to infections, including strep throat.
Is Strep Throat Contagious?
Strep throat is a highly contagious illness. It is spread through respiratory droplets and by direct contact. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, it sends the bacteria into the air or passes them to others through shared items. In addition, these bacteria are spread through infected skin sores. The incubation period ranges from two to five days, so the infection can spread before the symptoms and signs arise.
Strep Throat Symptoms
The symptoms may be mild and appear within a short period of 2 to 5 days after being exposed to strep bacteria. Common symptoms are:
- Sudden fever of 101°F or higher
- Sore, red throat, often with white patches
- Headache
- Chills
- Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck
- Difficulty swallowing
- Loss of appetite
Less common strep throat symptoms among children are:
- Stomach discomfort
- Nausea
- Vomiting
In some people with strep infection, scarlet fever may occur rarely. It could present as a red rash of small bumps that would eventually fade after a few weeks of the infection.
Strep Throat Tonsils: Understanding its Impact
Strep bacteria affect tonsils, making them swollen and painful. The tonsils may contain pus-filled spots that indicate a severe bacterial infection. This swelling might make swallowing painful and contribute to a lasting sore throat. Recurring strep throat infection may lead to tonsillitis – a condition where the tonsils are chronically inflamed. It warrants medical intervention, including removal of tonsils.
How is Strep Throat Diagnosed?
Your doctor physically examines your throat and may ask you to undergo a few tests to confirm the condition. A rapid antigen test uses a swab from the back of your throat to quickly detect strep bacteria, a molecular (PCR) test identifies genetic, bacterial material using this same sample, and the throat culture is obtained by swabbing your throat to collect secretions for testing bacterial growth. Usually, rapid antigen test results are available within minutes, and the results of throat cultures are known within two days.
Know The Effective Strep Throat Treatment
There is more than one way to manage this condition. Mentioned below are some of the best strep throat treatments which help eradicate strep throat, relieve the symptoms, and prevent complications:
Antibiotics
If started within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms, antibiotics reduce the severity and duration of the symptoms and the chance of transmission of the infection. Always complete the entire course of antibiotics to prevent recurrences and develop complications like rheumatic fever.
Prescribed Medications
Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) may help alleviate the pain and discomfort of the throat and fever. Never administer aspirin to a child or teen experiencing symptoms of chickenpox or flu as it can lead to a rare but severe condition, Reye’s syndrome.
Strep Throat Remedies At Home
In addition to antibiotics, several home remedies for strep throat may help to reduce pain. The following at-home strep throat treatments are effective and helpful:
- Help your body heal by getting plenty of rest.
- Stay hydrated with warm liquids like drinks or soups.
- Consume soft foods, such as yoghurt and applesauce, that cause less mouth, throat, and digestive tract irritation.
- Manage dry air with a cool-mist humidifier.
- Reduce inflammation by consuming throat lozenges, ice chips, or popsicles.
- Gargle with a mixture of 1/4 teaspoon of salt dissolved in 1 cup of warm water.
- Natural remedies, such as honey and apple cider vinegar, may also provide calming effects.
Conclusion
Strep throat is a contagious bacterial infection that can make people ill, especially children and older adults. Early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment help the patient recover from this illness. At the same time, numerous remedies could also alleviate some of the strep throat symptoms and aid in healing. With knowledge of this condition, you can take proactive steps to ensure a smoother recovery.
