STREP THROAT.

STREP THROAT.

strep throat

Strep throat is also known as streptococcal pharyngitis, a contagious bacterial disease caused by infection with group A Streptococcus (group A strep), which is characterized by inflammation and swelling of the mucous membranes lining the back of the throat including tonsils. Strep throat is mostly common in children but it affects individual of all ages. It can be easily spread from one person to another through respiratory droplets. It may cause other serious health problems like scarlet fever, Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, rheumatic fever,  kidney inflammation (post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis).

CAUSES OF STREP THROAT.

group A β-hemolytic streptococcus (GAS) 

Likely other sore throats, Strep throat is caused by group A β-hemolytic streptococcus (GAS) especially Streptococcus pyogenes. Most sore throats are caused by viruses. Other bacteria such as non–group A β-hemolytic streptococci and fusobacterium may also cause strep throat. The streptococcal bacteria invades the mucous membrane of pharyngeal tissue and causes a localized inflammatory reaction of the throat and tonsils. 

How do strep throat transmitted?

Strep throat is easily transmitted to other people when individual who is infected cough or sneezes, the group A streptococcal bacteria live in the nose and throat, small respiratory droplets carry infectious bacteria to other people. The rate of transmission increase in crowding area like school because infection is spread by direct, close contact with an infected person.

Who is at risk of get strep throat?

However anyone can get strep throat but there are some factors that increase the chance of being affected by this illness, factors includes:

• Strep throat is more common in children than adult, 
• Close contact with infected person,
• Crowding areas like school, military training facility and daycare centers.

SINGS AND SYMPTOMS OF STREP THROAT.

white patches on tonsils (pus)

The strep throat illness is mild infection, usually symptoms start 1 to 4 days after exposure and last up to 6 to 10 days, it may cause pain in affected area. Typical symptoms and signs of strep throat (streptococcal pharyngitis) infection are:

• fever, greater than 38.0 °C (100 °F)
• sore throat (throat pain)
• chills
• swollen, tender cervical lymph nodes (cervical lymphadenopathy)
• tonsillar exudates (white patches on tonsils)
• headache
• body ache (muscle pain)
• Skin rash (scarlet fever, diffuse red patchy rash)
• painful swallowing (odynophagia)
• gastrointestinal signs (nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting and abdominal pain)
• red, swollen soft palate (uvula)

TREATMENT OF STREP THROAT.

Strep throat is self limiting illness (resolve within days), though medications can help to shorten the duration, prevent transmission  of illness and reduce risk of complications like scarlet fever, Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, rheumatic fever and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis. Unlike sore throats caused by viruses, strep throat is treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics like penicillin v, penicillin or amoxicillin are recommended as a first choice for individuals who are penicillin allergic free, for the areas where the risk of rheumatic fever is higher, intramuscular benzathine penicillin G is the first choice for treatment. Other antibiotics like erythromycin and clindamycin are recommended for individual who has allergy to penicillin. 
For the management of pain in strep throat, pain medications like Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory  drugs (NSADS)or acetaminophen can be given. Aspirin should be avoided to the children due to the risk of Reye syndrome. 

How do strep throat prevented?

No vaccine have been approved for the strep throat, but there are measures can be taken to prevent strep throat, includes:

• wash hands often
• cover mouth when cough or sneeze
• avoid crowding area
• avoid sharing utensils