| Subject | Contents |
| Definition | Streptococcal pharyngitis is an inflammation (irritation and swelling with presence of extra immune cells) of the pharynx (the part of the throat between the tonsils and the larynx) caused by streptococcus infection.
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| Alternative Names | Strep throat; Streptococcal pharyngitis
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| Causes, incidence, and risk factors | Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci are the most common bacterial cause of pharyngitis or "strep throat." Streptococcal pharyngitis occurs most commonly from October to April, often in children 5 to 10 years old but also in adults. The infection is spread by direct person-to-person contact with nasal secretions or saliva. The organism may be present in the throat of people without causing a sore throat. This is referred to as colonization. Small children frequently have no symptoms or symptoms too mild for diagnosis. Even though the sore throat usually gets better on its own (self-limited), people who have strep throat should take antibiotics to prevent some of the more serious complications of this infection, particularly acute rheumatic fever. Risk factors include recent strep throat in family or household members. The incidence is 5 in 1,000 people. |
| Symptoms | sore throat red throat difficulty swallowingfever with sudden onset tender, swollen lymph nodes in the neck general discomfort, uneasiness or ill feeling ( malaise )nausealoss of appetiterash may be present
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
tongue problemsneck painnasal dischargenasal congestionmuscle painjoint stiffnessheadacheabnormal taste |
| Signs and tests | Throat swab can be tested for culture and a rapid antigen. The culture is the best test for confirming strep throat. The rapid antigen test is quicker but only detects about 60-90% of all cases. |
| Treatment | Antibiotics such as penicillin or erythromycin are usually prescribed for sore throats that have a positive streptococci test or culture. Self-care measures include gargling with warm salt water (one half teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) several times a day, and taking pain relievers such as acetaminophen. |
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| Expectations (prognosis) | The probable outcome is good; nearly all symptoms resolve in one week. Treatment prevents serious complications associated with streptococcal infections. |
| Complications | otitis mediasinusitismastoiditisperitonsillar abscessrheumatic feverglomerulonephritisscarlet fever |
| Calling your health care provider | See your health care provider if you develop symptoms of streptococcal pharyngitis.
Also, call if you have had streptococcal pharyngitis and symptoms of complications develop.
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| Prevention | Avoid contact with a person known to be infected with strep throat. Many cases are not preventable. |
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