Strep throat is inflammation and swelling of the throat, tonsils, and lymph nodes. Unlike a sore throat, which is caused by an infection with viruses, strep throat is caused by an infection with bacteria. While most sore throats cause mild symptoms and go away naturally without the help of medical treatments, strep throat usually requires treatment with antibiotics. Untreated strep throat can lead to serious complications, including ear infections, heart problems, kidney problems, and even rheumatic fever. On the premises of a weak immune system, strep throat can be very serious, in which case doctors recommend immediate medical treatment with antibiotics.
Strep throat is caused by an infection with group A streptococcus bacteria, a strong and highly contagious infectious agent. Strep throat is widespread in flu seasons and can be easily acquired by coming into contact with people who carry the bacteria responsible for causing the illness. Streptococcus bacteria are airborne and can be contracted simply by breathing the same air as an infected person.
Many people believe that strep throat only affects children. This idea is unfounded, as anyone can get strep throat, regardless of their age. Although strep throat has the highest incidence in very young children and adolescents, it can also occur in adults. In fact, strep throat is more likely to cause complications when acquired by adults. Adults with strep throat often have more severe symptoms and need a longer recovery period from the illness. When it occurs in the elderly, strep throat is more difficult to overcome, and the infection with strep bacteria is likely to become systemic.
When you are suffering from strep throat, it is recommended to visit your doctor as soon as possible. The doctor will perform a general physical exam to look for any clinical signs of bacterial infection. Unlike viral forms of the disease, strep throat usually causes enlarged tonsils and lymph nodes, symptoms that are highly suggestive of a bacterial infection. Fever is also a very telltale sign of strep throat. The presence of these common symptoms of strep throat is usually enough to diagnose the disease. To confirm the clinical diagnosis, doctors may also take samples of the inflamed tissues for laboratory analysis. If the cause of the disease turns out to be an infection with group A streptococcus bacteria, the doctor will prescribe an appropriate course of antibiotics.
Despite its side effects, medical antibiotic treatments are the most effective means of curing strep throat today. Doctors strongly recommend a 10-day course of penicillin or amoxicillin to everyone affected by strep throat. New generation antibiotics such as cephalosporins can overcome the disease in an even shorter period of time, curing bacterial infections within 4-5 days after treatment. Prescribed early in the disease, appropriate medical treatment with antibiotics can provide rapid symptomatic relief for people suffering from strep throat. In addition, antibiotics can prevent the onset of serious complications, such as rheumatic fever, kidney infections, and heart disease.