OverviewStrep throat is a bacterial infection that can make your throat feel sore and scratchy. Strep throat accounts for only a small portion of sore throats. Show If untreated, strep throat can cause complications, such as kidney inflammation or rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever can lead to painful and inflamed joints, a specific type of rash, or heart valve damage. Strep throat is most common in children, but it affects people of all ages. If you or your child has signs or symptoms of strep throat, see your doctor for prompt testing and treatment. SymptomsSigns and symptoms of strep throat can include:
It's possible for you or your child to have many of these signs and symptoms but not have strep throat. The cause of these signs and symptoms could be a viral infection or some other illness. That's why your doctor generally tests specifically for strep throat. It's also possible for you to be exposed to a person who carries strep but shows no symptoms. When to see a doctorCall your doctor if you or your child has any of these signs and symptoms:
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ComplicationsStrep throat can lead to serious complications. Antibiotic treatment reduces the risk. Spread of infectionStrep bacteria may spread, causing infection in:
Inflammatory reactionsStrep infection may lead to inflammatory illnesses, including:
A possible relationship has been suggested between strep infection and a rare condition called pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with group A streptococci (PANDAS). Children with this condition experience worsened symptoms of neuropsychiatric conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder or tic disorders, with strep. This relationship currently remains unproved and controversial. PreventionTo prevent strep infection:
Dec. 17, 2020 How long does it take to recover from strep throat?Someone with strep throat should start feeling better in just a day or two after starting antibiotics. Call the doctor if you or your child are not feeling better after taking antibiotics for 48 hours.
What are the last symptoms of strep throat?Strep throat infection. Throat pain that usually comes on quickly.. Painful swallowing.. Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus.. Tiny red spots on the area at the back of the roof of the mouth (soft or hard palate). Swollen, tender lymph nodes in your neck.. Fever.. Headache.. |