Strep throat is known to be an infection that is caused by a bacteria called Group A strep (GAS). The bacteria belonging to this category are the most common cause of the sore throat caused by bacteria, most commonly in both...
Strep throat is known to be an infection that is caused by bacteria called the Group A strep (GAS). The bacteria belonging to this category are the most common cause of the sore throat caused by bacteria, most commonly in both in children and the teenagers.
Other Name: Pharyngitis
Key Facts on Strep Infection
- The Individuals with a Strep throat are known to spread the Streptococcus bacteria to other individuals until 24 hours after the antibiotic treatment as well. Also, it can spread for around 10 to 21 days if it remains untreated.
- With respect to the dangers of Strep Throat in kids - The strep throat is an infection that requires prompt treatment, typically in children above 3 years of age.
- The individuals are said to be contagious even if the person is present with no symptoms or looks sick/ill.
What is Strep Throat?
The Strep throat is seen most commonly in children, it has the possibility of affecting people of all age groups.
If you, your child, or any other concerned family member experiences the symptoms mentioned below, contact the doctor immediately to enable fast diagnosis and accurate treatment.
What Are the Causes of Strep Throat?
Infection by Respiratory droplets
The Group A streptococcus bacteria often lives in the nose & throat of the affected individuals.
The individuals infected will spread the bacteria during the following:
- Conversation (Talking)
- Coughing
- Sneezing
This further creates the respiratory droplets that would be containing the bacterium. The individuals would fall sick if the person breathed in the respiratory droplets containing the bacteria.
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Strep Throat?
Usually, strep throat is (early) a mild disease, but it later on it could be very painful.
It can be seen post 1-5 days post-exposure with this bacterium.
The Common symptoms in the affected individuals include:
- Fever
- Pain while swallowing
- Red & Inflamed Tonsils
- White patches on Tonsils
- Streaks of Pus on Tonsils
- Tiny & Red Spots on Roof of Mouth ( Petechiae)
- Swollen Lymph Nodes (Front of Neck)
Further symptoms of Strep throat Infection are as follows:
- Headache
- Nausea & Vomiting
- Stomach Ache
- Rash (Scarlet Fever)
What are the Risk Factors for Individuals Developing Strep Throat?
Age
The Strep throat is mostly commonly in children than the adults.
Seen commonly in the children 5 to 15 years old. Quite rare in kids below 3 years old.
The Adults who are at increased risk for the strep throat include the following:
- Parents of the affected school-aged children
- The Adults who are In constant contact with children
Group Settings
Any close contact with any another person suffering from strep throat is known to be the most common risk factor for an illness.
For example, individuals with strep throat, the bacteria would spread to the other people in same household.
The Infectious illnesses here would spread when there are large groups of people in the gathering. The Crowded settings would also increase risk of getting this group A strep infection. These settings would include the following:
- Schools
- Centers of the Daycare
- Facilities for Military Training
Note: In 3 out of 10 children that have a sore throat are known to have strep throat
About 1 in 10 adults that have sore throat are with strep throat
Here is the Image Displaying Normal Throat V/S an Infected Throat
What is the Mode of Spread or Transmission of Strep Throat?
- The Strep bacteria are also spread through the infected person’s direct contact with the mucus from nose or throat.
- Through air by the sneezing or coughing. Rarely, by contaminated food or the milk
- It can spread after 24 hours after the antibiotic treatment or 10 to 21 days if it is untreated.
What is the Differential Diagnosis of Strep Throat?
It is important to understand that not all the sore throats would be strep throats. The sore throats could be caused by viruses, not the bacteria.
In case a child has the cold symptoms (for example, a runny nose or a cough), the hoarse voice, or pinkeye (conjunctivitis);
In this case, sore throat would be likely to be from a virus than from the strep throat.
How I Do Know Whether it’s Sore Throat or Strep Throat?
The differences between the strep throat and Sore throat are as follows:
Strep Throat: Group A Streptococcus known to be the most common cause of the strep throat.
Sore Throat (Viral Pharyngitis): The Viruses are most common cause of the sore throat, including the rhinoviruses or respiratory syncytial virus.
The symptoms here are as follows:
- Cold
- Bronchitis
- Ear ache
- Sinus Infection
Sore Throat by virus would get better without any medical treatment.
What Are the Complications of Strep Throat?
The extreme cases of strep throat and tonsillitis can lead to complications such as:
- Scarlet Fever
- Inflammation of Kidney
- Rheumatic Fever
How to Diagnose a Strep Throat Infection?
- Rapid Antigen Tests
- Throat Culture
- Nucleic Acid Tests
Rapid Antigen Test- Rapid strep test would detect group A strep antigens from the throat swab sample. The rapid strep test would give results quickly, in 10min itself
If the Result of Strep Antigen Test is Negative
Throat Swab Culture: if the rapid strep test turns out to be negative, but the healthcare professional still suspects a strep throat, a throat culture will be ordered, to see if the group A strep could grow from a throat swab sample.
The throat culture is known to be a gold standard diagnostic test for the strep throat, but takes around 24–48 hours to get the results.
Nucleic Acid: Nucleic acid tests for the strep throat are available too. These would detect any presence of group A strep DNA in the throat swab sample.
What is the Treatment of Strep Infection?
The Strep throat could be treated with the use of antibiotics. The treatment would be to prevent any serious complications like Rheumatic Fever and any Kidney Disease, which could be fatal/ life threatening.
The Infected children and kids must be excluded from the child care/school, while the infected food handlers must be excluded from their work until 24 hrs after their treatment has started.
Antibiotic Treatment and Intervention in Strep Throat Infection (Pharyngitis)
Usually, the doctors would use the antibiotics like the penicillin or an amoxicillin to treat your strep throat. The individuals with an allergy to the penicillin would receive Clindamycin, or Clarithromycin, or an Azithromycin.
It is essential that an individual takes an entire course of the antibiotics, even if there is a betterment feeling shortly after consuming it.
Note: Not taking an entire course could lead to an infection which will not clearing completely.
What is the Treatment in Pediatric Population?
- The liquid formulations of the OTC medicines for example- Acetaminophen or the Ibuprofen to the younger children if it is needed, to aid in relief from pain, any swelling, and the fever
- Present the medications in form of pills or the tablet form to the older children, as in when needed by them.
It is advised that the Children & the teenagers should NOT be taking Aspirin.
To Seek Free Consultation From The Doctor:
- Contact: Dr. Ravin Sharma, (MBBS, MD In Radiology)
- Available: 24*7*365
- Phone Number: +919212125996
Why Should Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre Be Your Preference for Strep Throat Infection Tests in Delhi-Ncr Region?
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre, is known for setting Gold standards in excellent service and care to the patients for decades. It is known to be an established and renowned diagnostic centre since 2001.
Our excellence is backed by NABH and NABL Accreditations.
We provide a Free Home Sample Collection and Free Ambulance Service.
The Test report is available digitally too.
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre is a one-stop solution for getting all kinds of tests done, as all services are available under one roof.
The aim of GDIC is to provide world’s finest technology at the lowest price.
The rates of scans are reasonably priced. Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre also offer FLAT 50% OFF on many tests.
Patients can rely upon test reports as reports are 100% accurate.
Tests Conducted at Ganesh Diagnostic & Imaging Center
Group A Streptococcal Infection Test – BOOK NOW
Throat Swab Culture and Sensitivity Test- BOOK NOW
Group A Streptococcal Antigen Test- BOOK NOW
References
- Strep Throat Fact Sheet : https://health.maryland.gov/phpa/idehashareddocuments/strep_throat.pdf
- Strep Throat: All You Need to Know : https://www.cdc.gov/groupastrep/diseases-public/strep-throat.html
- What to know about strep throat : https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155412#what-is-strep-throat
- Strep Throat: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/strep-throat.html
Frequently Asked Questions- FAQ’s
How long would the strep last?
The Strep throat Is seen to resolve in about 3 to 5 (three to five days) if it is untreated. Despite its short duration, antibiotic treatment would be recommended to reduce any risk of disease complications.
The Symptoms would typically resolve within 1 to 3 days following the start of antibiotics.
Does strep throat cause cough?
Symptoms include the following such as sore throat, fever, headache, stomach pain, nausea & vomiting.
The Cough, any hoarseness of voice, red eyes, and runny nose will not be seen with a Strep throat. These symptoms indicate viral cause.
While, a Scarlet fever rash (a fine, red, sandpaper-type rash) is also highly suggestive of the Strep throat.
Does strep throat cause fever?
The Strep Throat that includes: fever (greater than 101 degrees Fahrenheit, white patches on throat, and swollen / inflamed or tender lymph glands of neck.
What is bad for strep throat?
The Food Items to Avoid
Some Spicy food & the food containing capsaicin, regardless of ones normal tolerance. The Spicy food could cause inflammation & also trigger acid reflux that will be worsening the sore throat symptoms
What to eat with strep throat?
The DOs & DONTs in Managing your Strep Throat
DO avoid any contact with individuals suffering from strep throat. Don't share any personal items for example- drinking glasses.
DO eat some soothing food items for example- soups, any cooked cereal, and mashed potatoes.
Can newborns get strep throat?
Strep throat is rare in the infants and the toddlers are typically mild when occurring in children under 3 years of age.
For the older children, course of antibiotics is recommended and would suffice the treatment process.
