Symptoms of Strep Throat

The symptoms of strep throat (streptococcal sore throat or streptococcal pharyngitis) are often confused with those of ailments like mono. Like mono, streptococcal pharyngitis is contagious, but some of its symptoms are different from mono.

Symptoms of Streptococcal Pharyngitis

These include sudden sore throat. The sore throat will be intense but without any cold or cough. The patient will have a hard time swallowing. The lymph nodes on the neck will swell up.

There are whitish or yellowish spots at the tonsils or throat. Other patients have a bright red throat. The roof of the mouth will have darkish red colors. There will be fever of up to 101 F. If the fever is low, it is not streptococcal sore throat; it is caused by a viral infection.

Sometimes, patients develop a rash. This commences at the chest and neck areas. Often it spreads throughout the body. This is known as scarlet fever. If this develops the patient should be given the appropriate antibiotics.

Other Indicators

These include tender cervical lymphadenopathy, headaches, halitosis, malaise and stomach pain. Afflicted people will vomit and experience nausea.

Other indicators are chills, ear pain, hives, lack of appetite and skin peeling. If the throat and other areas are affected, additional symptoms will manifest. These may include impetigo, vaginitis and sinusitis.

Treatment

Once the symptoms of strep throat have been determined, treatment can be administered. Paracetamol (acetaminophen) and ibuprofen may be taken to ease sore throat pain. These drugs can lower the fever by 2.3 C.

Adults taking ibuprofen, paracetamol or aspirin will see the fever go down by 31%. Back pain (which is also experienced) will go down by 48%. Children should not take aspirin because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome.

Antibiotics can reduce symptoms by a couple of days. They can also help prevent contagion. Antibiotics can also reduce muscle pain by 85% and sore throat by 67%. The most common antibiotic treatment given is penicillin V (PCV).

People allergic to penicillin are usually prescribed cephalosporins (ceftriaxone, cefazoline and cefuroxime). Azithromycin and other macrolides may also be given to patients who are allergic to penicillin. Other antibiotics that may be taken are clindamycin and amoxicillin.

Note: individuals are regarded as contagious up to three days after taking antibiotics.

Cause and Transmission

Streptococcal sore throat is caused by Group A streptococcal infection (GAS), in particular the bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes. It is transmitted by contact with an infected individual.

In very rare cases, contaminated food (especially milk) may lead to an outbreak. The incubation period lasts form 2 to 5 days. Cases as long as 8 days have been recorded, though.

Possible Complications

The lack of, or incomplete treatment may result in numerous complications. These include acute rheumatic fever, neurological disorders, streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, kidney failure, sore joints and heart problems. However, these complications rarely occur if treatment is correct.

Once the symptoms of strep throat have been recognized, the patient should rest and take the proper medication. This ensures no complications will arise and the disease will heal quickly.