Overview

Strep throat, or streptococcal pharyngitis, is a bacterial infection caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria. It primarily affects the throat and tonsils, leading to symptoms such as severe sore throat, fever, difficulty swallowing, and swollen lymph nodes. Strep throat is contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets from an infected person. It is typically treated with antibiotics to prevent complications and reduce the duration of symptoms. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to avoid the potential complications of strep throat.

[caption id="attachment_23042" align="alignnone" width="500"] Streptococcus bacteria[/caption]

Causes of Strep Throat

- Streptococcus pyogenes- It is a bacteria that stays in the skin and travels through it from one person to another. The bacteria causes fever, sore throat, and throat pain. One can also find swollen lymph nodes, making one feel itchiness in the throat and making one feel uncomfortable eating or drinking. Hence, in case of such issues, one should seek medical attention to get relief.
- Contaminated Food and Water- The bacteria causing the throat issue also travels through contaminated food and water. People consuming food and water through unhygienic places are at a higher risk of getting affected and feeling throat issue symptoms.
- Infected People- People infected by Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria can also spread the bacteria to people around with ease. It can spread through coughing, sneezing, or skin contact with the affected individual. The scenario usually happens in crowded places.
- Airborne Transmission- In some cases, the bacteria can become airborne, especially in crowded or enclosed spaces.
- Sharing Personal Items- Sharing utensils, drinking glasses, or other personal items with an infected individual.

Symptoms of Strep Throat

- Pain in Throat- One of the identifiable and prime strep throat symptoms is pain in the throat. It helps to identify the issue and alerts one to begin the treatment as soon as possible. The issue may also not allow one to eat or drink properly.
- Swollen Lymph Nodes- Another symptom of the throat infection is swelling of the lymph nodes. The sign is an immediate indication to consult a doctor and tap the root cause to identify the issue. Procrastination in the treatment may worsen the issue and cause fever, rheumatoid arthritis, pain in the throat, difficulty in eating or drinking, difficulty while speaking, and other similar problems.
- Young Age- The bacterial infection is also highly contagious for children due to their underdeveloped and weak immune systems. Hence, children are more prone to getting affected by throat issues. Children may carry the germs of the bacteria from crowded places, while some children who spend a significant part of their day in daycare centres may carry the damaging bacteria from the place. Hence, in case of throat infection signs observed in children, one is advised to take the child to a doctor for immediate medical attention.

Treatment Options for Strep Throat

Antibiotics- One of the most used forms of strep throat treatment option is antibiotics. They help to relieve the symptoms of the infection and allow one to have a hassle-free and routine life with ease. Different types of antibiotics for different patients help in quick recovery. The medication helps to lower the damaging signs and also helps to avoid the spread of infection, among others. Common antibiotic choices include:

Penicillin or Amoxicillin: These are often the first-line antibiotics used to treat strep throat.
Cephalosporins: In cases of penicillin allergy, cephalosporin antibiotics may be prescribed.
Macrolides: These antibiotics, such as azithromycin or clarithromycin, are an alternative for those who cannot tolerate penicillin-based medications.

Pain Relievers- Over-the-counter pain relievers are also helpful to deal with the situation calmly. They help to lower the throat pain, swelling, and redness of the lymph nodes. Hence, the affected individual can have proper meals and can speak comfortably. Medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen help to serve the purpose.

Quick Tips to Lower the Symptoms of Strep Throat

Mentioned below are a few quick fixes that help to stay calm during the bacterial infection:

- Get ample rest
- Drink lukewarm water
- Eat liquid or semi-liquid foods
- Do warm salt-water gargles
- Avoid smoking or people who smoke

When to Consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

Conclusion

Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by the spread of Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria through various means. The bacteria causes throat pain, swollen lymph nodes, difficulty eating, drinking, speaking, and other similar issues. The issue can be handled with the help of antibiotics and other medications, along with some self-care remedies.

Reference Links

- https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/tonsillitis-causes-symptoms-and-treatment/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/strep-throat/symptoms-causes/syc-20350338
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4602-strep-throat