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What Causes Strep Throat?

J. Beam
J. Beam

Strep throat is caused by Streptococcus bacteria, the most common bacterial culprit behind sore throat infections. This illness is most common among children and adolescents, but adults can contract it as well. It's a bacterial infection and requires an antibiotic to treat it effectively.

The symptoms of strep throat may vary depending on age but almost always include a sore throat. Many times, the throat pain is accompanied by fever and possibly headache, and small children may develop a rash as well. The rash looks like small, red bumps, usually located under the arms or elsewhere on the torso. A patient may also experience a stomach ache and swollen glands.

Strep throat can be spread by coughing.
Strep throat can be spread by coughing.

Anyone who has a sore throat accompanied by fever should see a healthcare professional. If this individual suspects strep throat, he or she will run a test by swabbing the back of the throat to confirm the presence of the bacteria. Usually, a strep test is a combination of a rapid test and a culture. A rapid strep test is not as conclusive as a laboratory culture, but medical professionals can often confirm strep in about 15 minutes and prescribe a course of antibiotics if necessary. They usually follow this test by sending the sample to a lab for confirmation by culture, which takes about 24 hours.

A severe sore throat is a symptom of strep throat.
A severe sore throat is a symptom of strep throat.

The presence of a persistent sore throat should be checked by a professional, as an infection that is left untreated can develop into rheumatic fever, a rare condition that can impact the joints and the heart. Penicillins, macrolides, and cephalosporins are common antibiotics prescribed to treat the illness. In rare cases, a medical professional may suggest removing the tonsils if it is suspected that they are harboring bacteria and causing recurrent infections.

A high fever is common in those with strep throat.
A high fever is common in those with strep throat.

Strep throat is contagious, and children with it should avoid returning to school or daycare until they have been both without fever and taking an antibiotic for 24 hours. The bacteria can be spread by coughing and sneezing, and also by contact with objects an infected person has touched. This is why the condition is so common among children.

Not all sore throats are strep infections, but it is common. If the pain disappears shortly after waking or is relieved by drinking fluids, it may be a viral infection. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help relieve the pain and discomfort. If a sore throat is causing difficulty swallowing, resulting in drooling, or difficulty with breathing, medical attention should be sought immediately.

Discussion Comments

anon301667

I have strep, but my mom doesn't drive and she doesn't have a car. We just moved here so we don't have friends or family and so I can't get to a hospital. There aren't any within walking distance and I'm losing a lot of weight because I can't eat without feeling like I'm going to throw up. What do we do?

anon269335

I had this. It is painful.

anon119973

Is the only way to catch strep throat in adults is kissing someone --and what if it wasn't you? does it mean the person got it from another partner and can you only catch that through kissing or oral sex?

anon111761

In the article it says medical attention should be sought if someone is drooling, not breathing normally, etc. Does that mean it's not normal for symptoms like that? Because i have all those symptoms and i thought it was normal. I saw my doctor yesterday and now i have a medication to take.

medicchristy

@googie98:You should definitely keep him away from as many people as possible. It is very contagious. It is spread by close, direct contact with patients by respiratory droplets. Casual contact does not often result in transmission, but that doesn’t mean that it can’t.

Patients not receiving treatment are most infectious for about 3 weeks after the onset of the infection. It is only contagious for 24 hours after receiving treatment.

googie98

If my child has strep throat, should he stay away from other children?

medicchristy

Although some people are quick to think that any painful sore throat is strep, sore throats are usually caused by a viral infection and not strep bacteria. A sore throat caused by a virus can be just as painful as strep throat. Most of the time, strep throat does not display cold symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, or cough. More common symptoms of strep include fever over 101F, swollen lymph nodes and tonsils, a severe sore throat, pain when you swallow, a bright red throat, and yellow or white spots on the back of your throat.

It is always best to see a doctor to determine if you have strep so that you can receive the proper medical care.

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    • Strep throat can be spread by coughing.
      By: Ljupco Smokovski
      Strep throat can be spread by coughing.
    • A severe sore throat is a symptom of strep throat.
      By: Adam Gregor
      A severe sore throat is a symptom of strep throat.
    • A high fever is common in those with strep throat.
      By: evgenyatamanenko
      A high fever is common in those with strep throat.
    • A doctor may recommend tonsil removal if tonsils are infected on a regular basis.
      By: Farina3000
      A doctor may recommend tonsil removal if tonsils are infected on a regular basis.
    • Once diagnosed, strep throat is typically easily treated with antibiotics.
      By: NorGal
      Once diagnosed, strep throat is typically easily treated with antibiotics.
    • Stomach aches are one symptom of strep throat.
      By: Julija Sapic
      Stomach aches are one symptom of strep throat.
    • Ibuprofen may help relieve strep throat pain.
      By: Geo Martinez
      Ibuprofen may help relieve strep throat pain.
    • Children treated for strep throat should not attend school or daycare until fever and antibiotics are through.
      By: sdenness
      Children treated for strep throat should not attend school or daycare until fever and antibiotics are through.