Streptococcal Pharyngitis( Strep Throat)

What is going on in the body?

Strep throat is the most common of the many infections that are caused by group A streptococci, or GAS. The bacteria that causes strep throat makes a toxin that results in an infection in the throat and tonsils. A person can develop symptoms of strep throat from 1 to 6 days after being exposed to the bacteria. Symptoms in up to 40% of children may be too mild to diagnosis. Up to 20% of school-aged children may be carriers of the bacteria. These children will show no symptoms but can transmit strep throat to others.
A sore throat accompanied by fever is caused by a virus 70% of the time. Without treatment, uncomplicated viral infections usually subside within 3 to 10 days after onset. Strep throat is more significant because of the increased incidence of complications.

What are the causes and risks of the disease?

Strep throat is a bacterial infection that is usually spread by person-to-person contact through coughing or sneezing. Exposure to a person who has untreated strep throat may pose a risk for acquiring this infection. A person may be a carrier of the strep bacteria without having symptoms.
People who may be more at risk for serious strep infection include the following

people who have chronic conditions or diseases such as diabetes

people who have weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV or immunodeficiency disorders

children who have chickenpox  

What are the signs and symptoms of the disease?

The following are symptoms of strep throat:

sore throat that starts suddenly, without runny nose or congestion

"fiery" red throat

painful swallowing

white patches on the tonsils

swollen lymph nodes in the neck

fever, with a temperature of 101 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, or 38.3 to 40 degrees celsius

headache

loss of appetite

fatigue

Children with strep throat may also have these additional symptoms:

nausea

vomiting

abdominal distress

How is the disease diagnosed?

Strep throat may be suspected after a medical history and physical exam are performed. The back of the throat is swabbed to get a sample of the bacteria. Tests that may be done on this sample are

ELISA, or "quick strep," which makes it possible to make the diagnosis within 15 minutes

throat culture, which involves the growing of bacteria and takes at least 24 hours

Blood tests, including a complete blood count orCBC, may also be done to check for infection. 

 

 

 

What can be done to prevent the disease?

Strep throat can be spread from person to person. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is the best way to prevent the disease and its complications. Anyone with strep throat should take antibiotics for at least 24 hours before returning to work, school, or day care. In addition, hands should be washed thoroughly and soiled tissues should be discarded promptly.

What are the long-term effects of the disease?

In most cases, there are no long-term effects from strep throat. Complications may occur if a strep infection is not treated, including the following:

ear infections, such as acute otitis media

tonsillitis, with abscesses or damage to the tonsils

scarlet fever, a rash associated with strep throat

rheumatic fever, an inflammation of the joints and the heart that can cause heart damage

poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis, an inflammation of the kidney that can lead to kidney damage

rarely, death

What are the risks to others?

Anyone with an untreated strep throat can spread it to others.  





Reference
  www.niaid.nih.gov/factsheets/strep.htm. www.aafp.org/afp/970100ap/970100a.html.