Causative & risk factors
Strep throat is caused by the Streptococcus pyogenes (Streptococcus A) bacteria. It is a contagious infection that spreads from person to person. An infected person can spread the infection if he coughs or sneezes near healthy people. Sharing food with an infected person or contact with bacteria infested inanimate objects can also transmit the infection. Exposure to cold weather or intake of cold food increases your risk of developing strep throat.
Clinical presentation
The affected person develops throat pain, fever and difficulty in swallowing. The tonsils will appear red, inflamed and enlarged. Other symptoms may include enlarged lymph nodes of the neck, headache and fatigue. Some persons with a strep throat can remain asymptomatic.
Untreated or severe strep throat can lead to complications such as glomerulonephritis or rheumatic heart disease.
Investigations
A general physical check-up with a throat examination is adequate to make a diagnosis of strep throat. A throat swab can be advised to detect the presence of the organisms. A complete blood count may be recommended.
Treatment
The patient is advised to take plenty of rest and maintain intake of adequate fluids. Saline water gargles help to relieve the throat soreness.
Anti-streptococcal antibiotics form the mainstay of treatment. Anti-pyretic drugs and painkillers are used to bring down fever and relieve pain.
Recent updates
Since streptococci are become more and more resistant to commonly used antibiotics, researchers are working at developing other compounds to fight strep infections.
