We can all agree that a sore throat is unpleasant. Some describe it as attempting to swallow razor blades or shattered shards of glass, which is a frightening image but very true. Common sore throats may typically be accompanied by additional symptoms such as a runny nose, coughing, or sneezing and will resolve within a few days. But what if your sore throat persists? Worse, it keeps returning uninvited. It might be an indication of reoccurring strep throat. Check out federal way primary care express to learn more.
What is strep throat?
The word “strep throat” refers to streptococcal pharyngitis, a bacterial illness that affects the back of the throat. Streptococcus pyogenes is the bacterium in question. However, it is also known as “group A Streptococcus” (GAS). Most strep throat occurrences in a given year are in young children. However, adults can still become affected. Schools and childcare facilities have historically been the most probable places for the disease to spread, so people who become sick are often instructors or parents.
The strep bacterium is spread from person to person by close, direct, or indirect contact. Once within the body, the bacterium affects the throat and tonsils at the back of the throat, causing inflammation. Small respiratory droplets are ejected when a person coughs or sneezes, bringing bacteria with them. As a result, strep throat is very infectious, and it can even be passed on by someone who does not have any of the disease’s symptoms.
Symtopms of strep throat
Throat pain is the most common and evident sign of strep throat; the inflammation of the tissues at the back of the throat can be so severe that even simple swallowing becomes unpleasant. Beyond throat soreness, strep throat can cause a variety of additional symptoms, including:
- Tonsillitis (tonsils red and swollen)
- Pain swallowing
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Swollen or tender lymph nodes
- Small red spots inside the mouth (palatal petechiae)
- Scarlet fever (rash on other parts of the body)
- General body aches
- Fever
- Vomiting or nausea
The symptoms of strep throat can sometimes mirror those of a viral infection, such as the common cold or influenza. A virus may be ruled out if a person has a cough, runny nose, pink eye, or even a hoarse voice. These symptoms are not related to strep and most likely reflect another ailment.
Recurring strep throat
For many people, strep throat is a one-time occurrence that is uncomfortable for a short period but resolves itself. However, for some unfortunate individuals, the illness recurs. Recurrent strep throat is characterized by the number of times you have the illness in a year. If you have recurring strep throat, consult a healthcare professional right away.
