
What Are The Symptoms Seen In Strep Throat?
Strep throat is an infection caused by a bacteria (streptococcus) in the oral cavity. This bacteria can get into the throat, causing tonsillitis and pharyngitis. The infection usually starts with soreness around the mouth area, followed by swollen glands on either side of the neck.
The infection may also spread to the upper respiratory tract, leading to inflammation of the larynx or the sinus area. If untreated, this complication can cause complications such as pneumonia, severe headaches, and ear infections. It’s important to treat strep throat early so that you don’t develop any complications.
There are two types of streptococcal infections: acute and chronic. Acute strep throat occurs when someone has symptoms for less than three days; however, if left untreated, it can become chronic, which means you have constant symptoms for more than 10 days. Chronic strep throat can take years off your life due to its complications.
Strep throat contagious is like a body state which is being seen by the patients of strep throat as people feel very sick in this infection and after that they become very contagious which is why it is also known as strep throat contagious. In this article we will cover some common symptoms of this disease which you may also ever see in your body.
So, how do you know if you have strep throat? Here are some of the common signs you might experience.
Sore throat
One of the most common signs of strep throat is a painful, sore throat that lasts for at least one week. You may also have difficulty swallowing, pain in the back of your mouth, and tender lymph nodes near your jawline or in your neck. Other symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and general body aches.
A doctor should examine your throat for swelling and redness. He will also check for enlarged tonsils, pus-filled abscesses, white patches under your tongue, and thick yellowish mucous coming out of your nose or mouth. Sometimes, doctors may perform a swab test to analyze the content of your throat and determine whether or not you have strep throat.
If you feel like you could be developing a strep throat infection, but haven’t experienced any of the above symptoms yet, you might still have it. However, if you start experiencing these symptoms, head to your doctor immediately.
Swollen glands
Another common sign of strep throat is swollen glands. Your doctor will look for these in your neck, armpits, groin, or breasts. In addition, they may notice that your tonsils are also abnormally large.
Although these symptoms indicate you are suffering from a strep throat infection, they don’t necessarily mean you need antibiotics. Some people only have swollen glands in their neck. They may also have a low immune system, so sometimes swollen glands appear without having strep throat. If you think you might have strep throat, see your doctor to rule out other possible causes. If you still have questions, ask your doctor about them.
Fever
Some people with strep throat also have a high fever. If you have a fever over 100 degrees F and also have swollen glands, you may be dealing with a bacterial infection. A doctor can prescribe antibiotics for this condition.
Headaches
A strep throat infection can lead to serious complications such as meningitis, brain abscess, and encephalitis. These complications happen because the strep bacteria gets into your bloodstream and travels through your body. When it reaches your heart, it damages the tissue of your spinal cord. The result is excruciating pain, numbness, muscle weakness or paralysis, and confusion.
However, if you have a mild case of strep throat, there’s no need to worry. See your doctor if your fevers reach 102 degrees F or if you experience any of the above. If you have a bad case, consult your doctor right away.
Ear Infections
In addition to causing problems in your throat, strep throat can also lead to ear infections. As the bacteria spreads down to the middle ear, it leads to fluid buildup in the eardrum area, causing pain, hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and dizziness. Ear infections occur in both children and adults. If you have ear infections, see your doctor immediately to make sure you don’t develop any complications.
Pneumonia
When strep bacteria infect your lungs, it can lead to pneumonias. Pneumonia is a type of lung infection where fluid builds up in the air sacs in your lungs, leading to chest pain, shortness of breath, cough, wheezing, and fever. Pneumonia is very dangerous, especially in infants and older individuals. The most common way to prevent it is to keep your immune system strong by getting plenty of rest, drinking enough fluids, eating healthy food, and exercising regularly.
If you experience any of the above symptoms, consult your doctor immediately. Although many cases of strep throat are harmless, others can lead to serious complications. Therefore, it’s important to get diagnosed early so you don’t fall victim to any serious health issues.
You can find strep throat online by searching “strep throat” on Google. There are also countless websites dedicated to the topic, including HealthLine and WebMD. For instance, here’s what HealthLine says about strep throat:
People who have never had a cold or flu before often mistake a sore throat for a cold. They may assume that the soreness and pain in the throat are only temporary and will go away soon. But if you have a sore throat that doesn’t seem to improve after 48 hours, then you could be dealing with something more serious.
Strep throat, or Group B Streptococcus, is a bacterium that lives naturally in the throats of 30 percent of all adults. It affects more men than women, and young kids tend to get it more often than older people. The good news is that it cannot be passed from person to person, unlike the flu virus.