Definition

Strep throat is pain, redness, or pus in the back of the throat.

Sore Throat Due to Inflammation

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Causes

Strep throat is caused by streptococcal (strep) bacteria. The strep bacteria is spread by airborne droplets. This occurs with coughing or sneezing from infected people, or by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. The droplets can also be inhaled.

Risk Factors

Strep throat is more common in children and adolescents. Other factors that increase your chance of strep throat include:

• Exposure to family member or friend who has strep throat
• Crowded living situations
• Having strep living in the throat—occurs in a large segment of the population

Symptoms

Strep throat may cause:

• Red, sore throat with white patches
• Headache
• Swollen, sore glands in the neck
• Fever
• Red spots on the roof of the mouth
• Painful, difficult swallowing
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Nausea and possibly vomiting
• Decreased appetite
• Rash
• Muscle aches, especially in the neck, and abdominal pains, especially in younger children
• Swelling in back of mouth

Complications of untreated strep throat can be serious and include:

• Middle ear infection or sinus infection
• Peritonsillar abscess
• Bacterial meningitis
• Infective endocarditis
• Sepsis
• Rarely, rheumatic fever and pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders (PANDAS) associated with streptococcal infection

Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (kidney damage) is also rare, but it can occur, even with treatment

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Tests to confirm strep throat may be used and include:

• Rapid antigen strep screen—Antigens are a part of the body's immune response to specific infection. This test can identify antigens within a few minutes of the test. However, a negative test does not mean you do not have strep throat (this is called a false negative).
• Throat culture—A sample of throat fluid is taken to a lab to see if strep bacteria grows. It takes a few days to gets results.
• Rapid DNA test—DNA technology is used to detect strep throat. The results are usually available in 1 day.

Only a rapid DNA test or throat culture can confidently distinguish strep throat from throat infections with other causes. Doctors will often make a diagnosis and decide about treatment based on symptoms, physical findings, and test results.

Treatment

Most sore throats, including strep throat, will get better on its own in 7-10 days. Although the sore throat disappears, the infection may remain. It is important to follow through with proper treatment to prevent serious complications.

Prevention

To help reduce your chances of strep throat:

• Wash your hands carefully and often.
• Do not share beverages or food.
• Avoid exposure to other people who may have a strep infection.
• Replace your toothbrush after starting antibiotic treatment to prevent re-infecting yourself.