Strep – Strep throat – Bacterial tonsillitis

Description of acute pharyngitis

Strep throat – bacterial infection of the throat.

Causes of acute pharyngitis

Acute pharyngitis is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes. It is transmitted by airborne droplets by, often follows:

• Coughing and sneezing of people, who have strep throat;
• When you touch a contaminated surface, and then when the touch to the eyes, nose or mouth.

Risk factors for strep throat

Factors, which increase the likelihood of strep throat:

• Age: school-age children;
• Have a family member or friend, who is ill with acute pharyngitis.

Symptoms of acute pharyngitis

• Red, sore throat with white patches;
• Soreness, difficulties glotanii;
• Chills;
• Headache;
• Swollen, painful glands in the neck;
• Fever;
• Maybe nausea and vomiting;
• Decreased appetite;
• Rash;
• Muscle aches, most often in the neck and stomach pains, especially in young children;
• Fatigue.

Diagnosis of strep throat

The doctor asks about the symptoms and medical history and conduct a physical inspection. Tests to detect strep throat may include:

• Sample throat culture – nasopharyngeal cultures grown in the laboratory. Pending the results take several days;
• Rapid streptococcus antigen study – Results are available in minutes. The test is based on the detection of antigens, However, a negative test does not rule out the presence of strep throat;
• Rapid DNA test – DNA is used for the detection of acute pharyngitis. This test is less accurate, than a throat culture. Results, usually, available on the day of the test;

While only using rapid DNA test or throat culture contents strep throat can be distinguished from a virus infection. The doctor decides the treatment after careful evaluation of symptoms and a thorough examination.

Treating strep throat

Antibiotics

Almost all sore throats, including Streptococcus, pass themselves through 7-10 days. Strep throat infections are faster with antibiotics. (Antibiotics have no effect on angina, arisen due to a viral infection). Used antibiotics include penicillin, amoksiцillin, Erythromycin, azithromycin, or cephalosporin antibiotics. Symptoms begin to disappear after taking several doses, but it is important to go through the entire course of treatment.

Serious complications of bacterial sore throat include:

• Renal (glomerulonephritis);
• Scarlet fever;
• Rheumatic fever;
• Tonsillitis or peritonsillar abscess;
• Ear or sinus infection.

Antibiotics, usually, used for the prevention of complications of rheumatic fever, which may occur after the throat infection. In many studies, erythromycin and azithromycin did not show sufficient efficacy in the treatment of acute pharyngitis and prevention of rheumatic fever due to resistance of bacteria.

Taking pain

Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help relieve sore throat and muscle aches.

Aspirin is not recommended for children and teens with a current or recent viral infection due to the risk of Reye's syndrome. We need to ask the doctor, what medicines are safe for your child.

If diagnosed with strep throat should follow the doctor's instructions.

Prevention of acute pharyngitis

To reduce the risk of acute pharyngitis should be:

• Thoroughly wash your hands;
• Do not share drinks or food with people, who are sick throat infection.