Strep Throat - Condition Basics

Strep Throat

Condition Basics

What is strep throat?

Strep throat is a bacterial infection, Opens dialog in the throat and the tonsils. The throat and tonsils get irritated, inflamed, Opens dialog, and painful, causing a sudden, severe sore throat.

What causes it?

Strep throat is caused by streptococcal (strep) bacteria. There are many different types of strep bacteria. Some cause more serious illness than others. Strep throat is most often caused by group A streptococcus (GAS).

How does it spread?

Strep throat is spread through the air in droplets when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. You may then become infected after breathing in these droplets. Or you may get infected when the droplets get on objects or parts of your skin that come in contact with your mouth, nose, or eyes.

What are the symptoms?

The most common symptoms are a sudden and severe sore throat, pain when you swallow, and fever. Other symptoms may include swollen tonsils, large lymph nodes, and white or yellow spots on the tonsils, Opens dialog. You may also have tiny red spots on the roof of your mouth, a headache, and belly pain.

How is it diagnosed?

Your doctor will examine you, ask about your symptoms, and do a throat culture or rapid strep test. A rapid test gives results within about 10 minutes. But sometimes it doesn't show strep even when you have strep. A culture takes 1 or 2 days, but it's better at finding all cases of strep.

How is strep throat treated?

Strep throat is treated with antibiotics. These drugs shorten the time you're able to spread the disease, and they lower the risk of spreading the infection to other parts of your body. Antibiotics may help you feel better faster. Taking an over-the-counter medicine like acetaminophen can help relieve pain and reduce fever.

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Prevention

Current as of: October 27, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board

All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

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