Doctor's Notes on Strep Throat
Strep throat is actually a slang term for an infection caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria that results in a sore, inflamed throat. While strep throat is a common ailment, the majority of cases of sore throat are caused by viruses and not Streptococcus infections. Strep throat is very contagious and is spread by person-to-person contact with an infected individual.
The most common symptoms of strep throat are
- a painful,
- sore throat,
- headache,
- fever, and
- an upset stomach.
Infants and young children may also exhibit fussiness, enlarged lymph nodes (“swollen glands”), poor appetite, and a thick nasal discharge.
Associated symptoms can include:
- redness of the back of the throat and tonsils,
- white or yellow spots on the tonsils,
- small red punctate (“dots”) areas on the roof of the mouth, and
- a rash over the torso and groin areas.
What Is the Treatment for Strep Throat?
Treatment of strep throat may include:
- Antibiotics such as penicillin and amoxicillin to get rid of the bacteria causing the infection
- Medications to control pain or fever
- Home remedies such as:
- Using an air humidifier
- Maintaining adequate hydration
- Gargling with warm salt water
- Swallowing honey to soothe the throat (do not use in infants under 1 year of age)
- Eating soothing foods
Strep (Streptococcal) Throat Infection : Test Your Infectious Disease IQ Quiz
QuestionJust about any painful sore throat is caused by strep.
See AnswerMust Read Articles:
-
Does Strep Throat Go Away on Its Own?
Strep throat is a sore throat caused by a bacterial infection. Strep throat usually goes away on its own within a week, whether treated with antibiotics or not. -
How Do You Get Strep Throat?
Group A strep live in the nose and throat and can be contagious. When a person who has strep throat coughs or sneezes, they release respiratory droplets into the air that contain the bacteria. Strep throat is a bacterial infection. -
Is Strep Throat a Symptom of Covid?
A sore throat is a common COVID symptom, but strep throat is not. However, it is possible to be infected with both strep throat and COVID at the same time, which are separate illnesses. -
Strep Throat Symptoms in Children and Adults
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that can cause the throat to be come red and swollen with visible white patches. Symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes, and other problems. Viral infections can sometimes be confused with strep throat. -
What Are Symptoms of Strep Throat?
Symptoms of strep throat include sore throat, pain when swallowing, fever, red throat, white patches or streaks of pus on the tonsils/back of the throat/tongue; tiny, red spots on the roof of the mouth; and swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck, tonsils, and uvula; and others. -
What Can Be Mistaken for Strep Throat?
Sometimes viral illnesses cause a sore throat that may be mistaken for strep throat. These include common cold viruses, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), influenza (the "flu"), croup, mononucleosis (“mono”), measles, and chickenpox. -
What Does the Beginning of Strep Throat Look Like?
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that usually starts with a sore throat and swollen tonsils, often streaked with white pus and accompanied by tiny red dots in the mouth and throat.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.