Strep Throat- Symptoms, Causes and Complications

Medically, strep throat is a bacterial infection which causes pain and inflammation in the patient’s throat. It is a contagious disease and should be given prompt care to prevent its complications. 

What Are The Causes of a Strep Throat?

The primary cause of strep throat is a bacteria- Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as group A streptococcus. This bacteria is highly contagious. It can get passed on to you through airborne droplets when someone who is already suffering from the infection sneezes or you share food/drinks with them. These bacteria can also get transferred when you touch some surface and then use the hand on your face or mouth. 

What are the Symptoms of Strep Throat?

•    Painful swallowing

•    A headache

•    Body ache

•    Fever

•    Rash

•    Throat pain

•    Red and swollen tonsils. In some cases with white patches or streaks of pus)

•    Swollen, tender lymph nodes in your neck

•    Nausea or vomiting, especially in younger children

•    Tiny red spots on the area at the back of the roof of the mouth

Who Is Likely to Suffer from Strep Throat?

Young children and adolescents are likely to suffer this disease. Sometimes toddlers and adults also get affected by this illness. People suffer strep throat usually during the winter season. Experts suggest that not everyone experiences same symptoms to strep throat and it varies from person to person and age to age.

What are the Complications of Strep Throat?

If you start the treatment within one week of its symptoms, then you can overcome the disease. Else, if left untreated or if treated after a long period of suffering, then it can lead to severe complications which include:

•    Sinusitis.

•    Peritonsillar abscess- it is a pus-filled infection which develops in the back of the tonsils.

•    Ear infection.

•    Guttate psoriasis- it is a condition that causes small, red teardrop-shaped spots on the                body.

•    Rheumatic fever- it is an inflammatory disease that affects the heart, joints, and the skin.

•    Mastoiditis- it is an infection of the mastoid bone in the skull.

•    Poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis- it is inflammation of the kidneys.

•    Scarlet fever- it occurs when toxins created by the strep infection cause a rash (scarlet-colored) to develop on different body parts.

Strep Throat Urgent Care

If you observe symptoms of strep throat happening with you, then immediately consult at Gonzaba Urgent Care Center for prompt treatment. They provide the best care in San Antonio for medical needs, and you should not miss the opportunity getting consulted with an experienced doctor.