A common bacterial infection among children and adolescents of ages 5 to 15, strep throat largely affects the throat and tonsils. It is also known as streptococcal pharyngitis. It manifests as a throat infection with inflammation, causing a scratchy and itchy throat and intense pain. Some people describe it as having razor blades stuck down in their throat, with difficulty swallowing. Strep throat is a highly contagious disease that affects the throat and tonsils and is caused by the bacteria called streptococcus pyogenes or group A streptococcus. In this blog, you will learn all about strep throat infection, how to recognize its symptoms, and strep throat treatment methods. Gaining knowledge about this condition can help you manage it effectively.
The Germ That Causes Strep Throat
Group A streptococcus bacteria (GAS) is the causative agent of strep throat. This bacteria can be found in the throat and on skin and are highly contagious. The primary mode of transmission for the bacteria is through respiratory droplets expelled when an infected individual sneezes, coughs, or speaks. Moreover, a strep throat infection can be transmitted through the consumption of shared food or beverages and via direct contact with surfaces that are contaminated, such as doorknobs, toys, or utensils.
On entering the body the streptococcus bacteria attach themselves to the mucous membranes of the throat and tonsils. This bacteria produces enzymes and toxins that can damage the tissues, leading to inflammation and strep throat symptoms. The high contagion level is due to its ability to survive on different surfaces and transmit easily through respiratory droplets.
To prevent the spread of this bacteria, one must maintain proper hygiene by regular washing of hands, proper respiratory etiquette like covering mouth while coughing and sneezing, avoiding close contact with people and sharing personal items with others, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and staying at home, keeping a distance to avoid the spread of the infection.
Diagnosis
The following tests are used for the diagnosis of a strep throat infection:
1.Rapid Antigen Test
A rapid antigen test is the most commonly used test by doctors to detect a strep throat infection. A throat swab sample is collected by a physician for a rapid antigen test. The test is simple. Substances (antigens) in the throat can be recognized and strep bacteria can be identified in a few minutes. If the test is negative but the doctor still suspects a strep throat infection, he or she might do a throat culture.
2. Molecular (polymerase chain reaction, or PCR) test
This is a similar test which is also done using a swab sample from the strep throat infected person. It works by finding the DNA or RNA of the pathogen cells in a sample.
3.Throat culture
In this one again, a swab rubbed on the back of your throat, a sample of secretions is collected. It is then cultured in a laboratory for testing. Waiting for the results can be cumbersome. It can take as long as two days.
Strep Throat Treatment for Relief:
A combination of antibiotics and symptom relievers is required for strep throat treatment. Antibiotics can help fight off the bacteria, while symptom relievers can help ease the discomfort that comes along with strep throat infection.
Antibiotics
Penicillin, amoxicillin are commonly used antibiotics for strep throat treatment. Penicillin has effectively been used since ages for relief from strep throat. Amoxicillin is commonly used as it has a pleasant taste in liquid form and can be given to small children easily.
Symptom Relievers
For strep throat treatment, paracetamol, like Crocin and Calpol, is used commonly to relieve symptoms like fever and alleviate pain. Ibuprofen is also used to relieve symptoms like inflammation, fever, and pain associated with strep throat infection.
Symptoms of Strep Throat
Fever
A sudden rise in body temperature and feeling feverish is an extremely common sign of fever. The fever usually exceeds 38°C or more and is accompanied by chills.
Chills
Chills are another symptom of strep throat infection. It often occurs alongside fever and is a common response to the infection when the body attempts to fight off the bacteria.
Red, Sore Throat
A red, sore throat is one of the most significant indicators of strep throat. The infected person’s throat may appear swollen and red, with white patches or streaks of pus.
Swollen Lymph Nodes
Another typical symptom of strep throat is swollen lymph nodes in the
neck. These glands become tender and enlarged as they respond to the infection.
Risk factors for group A streptococcal infection
Various factors contribute to the development of a strep throat infection. Some of these risk factors are as follows:
Age: Children and adolescents between the ages of five and fifteen are more likely to contract this disease.
Season: A strep throat infection can be seasonal, with the risk of infection rising in the winter season and monsoon season as the temperatures go down.
Close Contact with an Infected Person: Intimate or close contact with an infected person in various settings can increase the risk of contracting the disease.
Weakened Immune System: People with a weak immune system are more vulnerable to this disease.
FAQs
- What Is Strep Throat?
Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by group A streptococcus bacteria that affects the throat and tonsils. It is characterized by sudden fever, sore throat, pain, and swollen lymph nodes.
- What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Strep Throat?
Symptoms of a strep throat infection include a severe sore throat, fever, chills, red and swollen throat with white patches, and swollen lymph nodes. Some individuals may also experience headaches, nausea, or rash.
- Is Strep Throat Contagious?
Yes, strep throat is highly contagious. Strep throat infection spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes and can also spread through direct contact with infected surfaces or sharing food and drinks.
- How Do People Get Strep Throat?
People get strep throat infection through exposure to the bacteria from an infected person. This can happen by inhaling respiratory droplets, touching contaminated surfaces, or having close contact with someone who has the infection.