Streptococcal pharyngitis
Streptococcal pharyngitis is a bacterial infection characterized by sore throat and itching Streptococcal pharyngitis causes a very small proportion of sore throats
Timely detection of streptococcal pharyngitis is important If left untreated, strep throat can lead to complications such as inflammation of the kidneys and rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever is characterized by joint pain and inflammation, rashes and heart valve damage
Streptococcal pharyngitis is common in 5-15 year olds, although it can occur at any age. If you or your child has symptoms of strep throat, see your doctor right away
Streptococcal pharyngitis is caused by a bacteria known as Streptococcus Pyogenes It is also called group A streptococcus
Streptococci are highly contagious They can be spread through the air as droplets when someone sneezes or coughs and by sharing food or drink. The bacteria can also enter the body after touching a doorknob or other contaminated object by touching the eyes, nose or mouth.
Signs and symptoms of strep throat include:
- Sore throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white plaque or pus
- Small red dots on the soft or hard palate
- Industrial, These signs and symptoms may be caused by a viral infection or other illness Because of this, the doctor conducts the analysis specifically for streptococcal pharyngitis
It is also possible to have the bacteria that cause strep throat without developing the disease. Some people are carriers of strep, which means they have no symptoms of the disease but can spread the bacteria.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you or your child has the following signs and symptoms:
- Sore throat with tender, swollen lymph nodes
- Sore throat that lasts more than 48 hours
A temperature higher than 3 in older children, or an increase in temperature for more than 48 hours
- Sore throat accompanied by a rash
- Difficulty breathing and swallowing, including swallowing saliva
- If diagnosed with streptococcus, the same condition 24-48 hours after taking antibiotics
- Coca-Cola colored urine one week after infection, which may indicate kidney inflammation (poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis)
