Strep Throat: Unveiling its Mysteries
The common, contagious disease that causes sore throats and tonsillitis in millions of people around the world each year has been an inconvenience for many years. The infection is caused by Streptococcus Pyogenes which infects tonsils and throat causing a variety of symptoms including fever and red, swelling tonsils. Strep throat is highly contagious and spreads easily in homes, schools and workplaces.
Understand Strep throat: The basics
In its most basic form, strep throat is an infection caused by bacteria that affects the tonsils and throat. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that there are more than a million cases of strep in the United States every year. Most occur in early or late spring. It can be contracted by people of any age, but is most common amongst children aged 5 to 15.
Symptoms include a sudden and severe sore throat; a fever above 101degF. Swollen lymph glands in the neck. And white or yellow spots at the back of an otherwise brightly red throat. Headaches, stomachaches and rashes are also possible. The strep is different from the other sore throats because it has a bacterial cause.
Common Causes of Strep Throat
The bacterium Streptococcus Pyogenes is responsible for causing strep throat. It's also called group A Streptococcus. The bacterium can be spread by:
- Droplets of airborne bacteria are released when an infected person coughs or sneezes
- Share food and drink with a person infected
- When you touch a surface that is contaminated with bacteria, and then touch your nose or mouth.
- Contact with group A strep sores
Strep throat treatment options
Treatment for strep is usually a round of antibiotics. It not only reduces the length of illness, but it also lowers the chance of complications such as kidney inflammation and rheumatic disease. Antibiotics include the following:
- In about 90% of cases, penicillin is the antibiotic most commonly prescribed for treating strep throat.
- Amoxicillin is a penicillin that has a pleasant flavor, which makes it an excellent choice for children.
- Cephalosporins are used for people allergic to penicillin. They have a similar success rate to penicillin.
Ibuprofen and other over-the-counter pain relievers can also help to alleviate some symptoms, like a sore throat or fever. Recovery also requires rest and water.
Strep Throat: Expert Advice and Recommendations
Medical professionals stress the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment for strep to avoid complications. Before starting antibiotic treatment, the American Academy of Pediatrics and Infectious diseases Society of America recommend a rapid-antigen detection test (RADT) or throat culture to confirm strep. The AAP and IDSA also advise that viral sores throats should not be treated with antibiotics as it promotes resistance to antibiotics.
Strep throat: Natural Remedies for Prevention and Treatment
Some natural remedies, in addition to antibiotics, can be used to soothe the symptoms. Some of these include:
- To soothe the throat, drink warm liquids like soup and tea.
- Gargling warm saltwater
- Use a humidifier for nasal passages, throat and pharynx.
It is always better to avoid strep than to treat it, which means you should maintain good hygiene to stop the bacteria from spreading. Regular handwashing, avoiding contact with people who are infected, sharing toothbrushes and utensils and covering your mouth and nose while coughing and sneezing all contribute to preventing the spread of strep throat.
The common but potentially crippling condition of strep throat affects many people each year. To manage this condition, it is important to recognize its causes and symptoms as well as know the effective treatment options. Remember that good hygiene is essential to preventing the spread the bacteria responsible for strep. Strep throat is treatable with the right care and attention.
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