Strep throat Health Article

Definition

Strep throat is caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria. It is the most common bacterial infection of the throat.

Alternative Names

Pharyngitis - streptococcal; Streptococcal pharyngitis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Strep throat is most common in children between the ages of 5 and 15, although it can happen in younger children and adults. Children younger than 3 can get strep infections, but these usually don't affect the throat.

Strep throat is most common in the late fall, winter, and early spring. The infection is spread by person-to-person contact with nasal secretions or saliva, often among family or household members.

People with strep throat get sick 2–5 days after they are exposed. The illness usually begins suddenly, with a fever that peaks on the second day. Many also have sore throat, headache, stomachache, nausea, or chills.

In some people, strep throat is very mild, with only a few of these symptoms. In others, strep throat is severe. There are many strains of strep. Some strains produce toxins that can lead to a scarlet fever rash. This rash is thought to be an allergic reaction to the toxins. Untreated, strep throat can sometimes lead to rheumatic fever. Kidney complications are among the other possibilities.

Symptoms

• Sore throat
• Red throat
• White patches in throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Fever that begins suddenly
• Tender, swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• General discomfort, uneasiness or ill feeling
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Rash

• Neck pain
• Nasal discharge
• Nasal congestion
• Muscle pain
• Joint stiffness
• Headache
• Abnormal taste

Signs and tests

A throat swab can be tested (cultured) to see if strep grows from it. A rapid test is quicker, but misses a few of the cases. Negative rapid tests should be followed by a culture, to find all the cases that might have been missed.