🔅 Strep throat /streptococcal pharyngitis is a bacterial infection that affects the throat and tonsils.
– It can cause: sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and other symptoms.
– Strep throat is most common in children, but it can affect anyone.
– Below is detailed information about strep throat that you won't miss to know if you have to keep your oral health. It details its causes, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, prevention and treatment procedures and practices and dietary recommendations for those suffering from strep throat.
Causes of Strep throat
– Strep throat is caused by a type of bacteria called Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as group A streptococcus (GAS).
– These bacteria are normally found in the nose and throat of healthy people, but they can sometimes cause infections when they enter the body through breaks in the skin or mucous membranes.
– GAS bacteria can spread from person to person through respiratory droplets, direct contact with infected wounds or sores, or contaminated food or objects. People who have strep throat are more likely to transmit the bacteria to others than people who are asymptomatic carriers.
Signs and Symptoms
– The signs and symptoms of strep throat usually develop within two to five days after exposure to the bacteria. They may include:
• Throat pain that starts suddenly and makes it hard to swallow.
• Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus.
• Tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth (soft or hard palate).
• Fever & headache(s).
• Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain (more common in children).
• Rash (scarlet fever), which appears as a red, sandpaper-like rash on the face and body.
• Swollen and tender lymph nodes in the neck.
– Some people may have mild or no symptoms at all, while others may have severe symptoms that require medical attention. Strep throat can be confused with other causes of sore throat, such as viral infections or allergies. Therefore, it is important to get tested for strep throat if you have any of the above symptoms.
Diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngitis
– To diagnose strep throat, your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and examine your throat. They will also perform one or more of the following tests:
🔅 Rapid antigen test
– This is a quick test that involves swabbing your throat and checking for antigens (substances that trigger an immune response) from GAS bacteria. The results are usually available within minutes. However, this test may not detect all cases of strep throat, so a negative result does not rule out the infection.
🔅 Throat culture
– This is a more accurate test that involves swabbing your throat and sending the sample to a laboratory for culture (growing) of GAS bacteria. The results are usually available within one to two days. A positive result confirms the diagnosis of strep throat.
🔅 Molecular (PCR) test
– This is a newer test that involves swabbing your throat and analyzing the sample for genetic material (DNA) from GAS bacteria. The results are usually available within hours. This test is very sensitive and specific for detecting strep throat.
Treatment of Streptococcal pharyngitis
– The main treatment for strep throat is antibiotics, which kill the bacteria and prevent complications. Antibiotics can also reduce the duration and severity of symptoms, as well as the risk of spreading the infection to others.
– You should start feeling better within one to two days after starting antibiotics. However, you should finish the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor, even if you feel better sooner. Stopping antibiotics early can lead to recurrence of infection or resistance of bacteria.
– In addition to antibiotics, you can also take some measures to relieve your symptoms and speed up your recovery. This simple measures will go a great deal in improving your oral health.
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and soothe your throat.
• Gargle with warm salt water or use lozenges to ease throat pain.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers; such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to reduce fever and inflammation.
• Use a humidifier or vaporizer to add moisture to the air and ease breathing.
• Rest as much as possible and avoid strenuous activities
Prevention of Strep throat
– To prevent getting or spreading strep throat, you should follow these tips.
1). Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
2). Avoid close contact with people who have strep throat or other respiratory infections
3). Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze.
4). Do not share food, drinks, utensils, or personal items with others.
5). Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects.
6). Stay home from work, school, or other activities until you are no longer contagious (usually 24 hours after starting antibiotics)
Dietary Recommendations for strep throat
– There is no specific diet for strep throat, but you should eat foods that are easy to swallow and digest. You should also avoid foods that may irritate your throat or cause allergic reactions.
– Some dietary recommendations for strep throat are:
• Eat soft and bland foods, such as soup, broth, oatmeal, mashed potatoes, yogurt, eggs, or smoothies.
• Drink warm or cold liquids, such as water, tea, juice, or ice pops.
• Avoid spicy, acidic, or crunchy foods, such as chili, citrus fruits, tomatoes, chips, or popcorn.
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, or tobacco, which can dry out your throat and worsen your symptoms.
• Avoid dairy products if they cause mucus production or stomach upset.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/strep-throat/symptoms-causes/syc-20350338
