STREPTOCOCCAL PHARYNGITIS
Streptococcal pharyngitis is a contagious disease characterized by the inflammation or swelling and pain of the mucous membrane lining the back of the throat including tonsils.
- Also known as strep throat, streptococcal pharyngitis accounts for a small portion of a sore throat.
- If left untreated, it can result in complications, such as kidney inflammation or rheumatic fever.
- Streptococcal pharyngitis affects people of all ages but is more prevalent in children, especially those between the ages of 5 and 15. This is because their body has not built up immunity to many of the viruses and bacteria.
- Streptococcal pharyngitis occurs mostly between late fall and early spring.
CAUSES
Streptococcal pharyngitis is caused by group A streptococcus bacteria. This bacteria are extremely contagious and can be spread directly from person-to-person or by touching an infected surface (doorknobs, bathroom objects, utensils) and then touching the mouth, eyes, or nose. They can spread from through airborne droplets when an infected individual coughs or sneeze, or through shared food or drinks. The rate of transmission is increased wherever groups of people are in close contacts such as is found in schools and military.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms begin one or three days after exposure and last seven to ten days
- Painful swallowing
- Fever
- A headache
- Rash
- Body aches
- Nausea and vomiting especially in children
- Pain in the throat
- Loss of appetite
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Red and swollen tonsils with pus
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
DIAGNOSIS
The doctor will examine the patient, look for signs and symptoms of streptococcal pharyngitis or throat infection. There are two common tests used in making a diagnosis.
Rapid test. Your doctor collects sample by swabbing the back of your throat with a long cotton swab and the send the sample to the lab to check for signs of bacteria. The turnaround time for the test is usually around 10 minutes.
If the result comes in negative a throat culture may be done to confirm a diagnosis. A swab is rubbed against the back of the throat and tonsils. The sample of the secretion gotten is cultured in a laboratory for the presence of bacteria. Results can take more than a day.
TREATMENT
Medications are available to cure streptococcal pharyngitis, prevent its complication and relieve pain.
If diagnosis confirms the presence of the bacteria, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to resolve your infection.
Antibiotics taken within 48 hours of onset of your illness will help reduce duration and severity of your symptoms and the likelihood of the infection spreading to others.
It is important that you finish your antibiotics course to kill the infection completely and prevent relapse
To relieve pain and reduce fever, pain relief such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen (paracetamol) may be used.
Some lifestyle and home remedies may help resolve symptoms of your infection. This may include:
- Rest
- Drinking plenty of fluid
- Turning on a cool-mist humidifier
- Salt water gargle several times a day can help relieve symptoms
- Throat lozenges
To prevent infection, clean your hands regularly and don’t share personal stuffs