What is strep throat?

Specific infection: A strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat (pharynx), tonsils or both caused by the bacteria group a streptococcus. Unfortunately common usage has deteriorated to mean sore throat in general. This is inaccurate. Many more viruses cause sore throats than streptococcal bacteria. Fever & sore throat for more than 2 days without cold symptoms suggests possible strep. A culture is best dx.

And?: What would you like to know? Need more information unless you want a chapter on steep throat.

Strep throat sxs: Sxs of strep throat can include: pain of throat; large, red tonsils with white exudates; small red dots on roof of the mouth; swollen lymph nodes on neck; fever, headache, rash, difficulty swallowing, fatigue or rash. Complications can include infection of middle ear, sinuses, tonsils, skin, blood as well as scarlet fever, inflammation of kidney (glomerulonephritis) & eventually rheumatic fever.

Bacterial infection: Strep is short for streptococcus. Strep throat is an infection by this bacteria which if left untreated, in rare cases, can lead to rheumatic fever (afects heart valves and kidneys). It is the "only" throat infection that requires treatment with antibiotics (to avoid rheumatic fever).

Throat infection: "strep" throat is an infection of the throat or tonsils caused by a type of bacteria called group a streptococcus. Usually accompanied by fever, headache, or nausea, strep is one if the few throat infections treated with antibiotics. Strep can only be reliably diagnosed with a throat swab. Although most cases resolve on their own, complications can arise if untreated within 10 days.

Need antibiotics: For significant sore throat with swollen tonsils / lymph nodes – see physician & get a streph throat test. If you have streph throat, antibiotic therapy is imperative to prevent future compications. Consider tylenol (acetaminophen) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Saltwater gargles: mix 1 tsp salt in 8 oz warm water – gargle several times a day. Or gargle with aloe vera juice twice a day.

Maybe: You can always play the odds and see what happens.Like the folk in the early 1900s.They also had strep ; it passed.However, about 1/200 developed 1of 3 patterns of complications.The only way to know if you had strep was to test it.If treated within 10 days of 1st symptoms you can stop the pattern of complications for strep, if not, you know you won't suffer them.

If verified- treat: The majority of sore throats are viruses, but if you have verified strep you should have it treated with an antibiotic. Symptoms may improve in a day or two without treatment, but complications including heart/brain/kidney can occur if untreated. A simple office test can confirm it as strep within minutes. Proper treatment started within 9 days stops complications.