STREP THROAT

General Information

DEFINITION--Infection and inflammation of the pharynx by streptococcal bacteria. Strep throat is contagious. One out of 4 family members usually catches it within 2 to 7 days after exposure. Infection can be present in individuals with no symptoms but who can still spread the germs (carrier state)

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Throat; tonsils.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Both sexes; all ages, but most common in children.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Rapid onset of throat pain.
• Throat pain that is worse when swallowing.
• Appetite loss.
• Headache.
• Fever.
• General ill feeling.
• Ear pain when swallowing (sometimes).
• Tender, swollen glands in the neck.
• Bright-red tonsils that may have specks of pus.

CAUSES--Streptococcal bacteria. It is spread by person-to-person contact via drops of saliva or nasal secretions (droplets are exhaled, coughed or sneezed).

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Recent strep infection in the household.
• Smoking.
• Fatigue.
• Crowded living conditions (military recruits).
• Day care center or school.
• Immunosuppression due to illness or drugs.
• Diabetes mellitus.
• Recent illness.

HOW TO PREVENT--Avoid contact with infected people.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Laboratory studies, such as a throat culture and blood count. A throat culture is the only way to diagnose a strep throat infection. This is an inexpensive, quick, painless procedure in a doctor's office.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Self-care after diagnosis.
• Doctor's treatment.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Ear infection.
• Sinusitis.
• Rheumatic fever.
• Glomerulonephritis.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Usually curable in 10 to 12 days with antibiotic treatment (which also helps prevent any complications). Symptoms are usually better in 2-3 days of treatment.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• Use a cool-mist, ultrasonic humidifier to provide moisture. This relieves the dry, tight feeling in the throat. Clean humidifier daily.
• Use warm soaks to relieve pain in swollen glands.
• Isolation techniques are unnecessary.

MEDICATION--Your doctor may prescribe penicillin or another antibiotic to take orally or by injection. It is important to finish the medication, even if the symptoms have disappeared.

ACTIVITY--After treatment, resume normal activity as symptoms improve. Children may return to school 5 days after beginning antibiotics and fever is normal for 24 hours.

DIET--A liquid diet may be necessary while the throat is sore. Drink as many fluids as possible, including milk shakes, soups, tea, carbonated drinks and iced coffee. Any type and amount of solid food is acceptable as long as it can be swallowed without too much pain.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have symptoms of a strep throat.
• The following occurs during treatment: Temperature is normal for 1 or 2 days, then fever develops. New symptoms appear, such as: nausea; vomiting; earache; cough; swollen glands; skin rash; severe headache; nasal drainage; or shortness of breath. Joints become red or painful. Dark urine, rash, chest pain or fatigue (may occur as much as 3 to 4 weeks later).