Strep throat

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Introduction Signs and symptoms Causes Risk factors When to seek medical advice

Screening and diagnosis Complications Treatment Prevention Self-care

Introduction

A sore, scratchy throat is often the first sign that you're getting sick, and it's a common reason people see their doctors. Most sore throats, such as those that accompany a cold or the flu, are caused by viral infections and usually go away on their own within a few days.

Only a small portion of sore throats are the result of strep throat. But it's important to identify this bacterial throat infection for a number of reasons. Unlike other causes of sore throat, strep throat is treatable. The bacteria that cause strep throat respond quickly to antibiotics, and treatment stops the infection from spreading to other people.

If not treated, strep throat infections can sometimes cause complications such as rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever can cause painful and inflamed joints and a rash, and can even result in damage to heart valves. Another potential complication of strep throat infections is kidney inflammation.

Strep throat is most common in children between the ages of 5 and 15, but it affects people of all ages. In addition to throat soreness, signs and symptoms typically include a fever plus tender and swollen lymph glands (nodes) in the neck. Younger children may also complain of abdominal pain.

If you or your child has signs or symptoms of strep throat, see your doctor. A quick test can result in diagnosis of strep throat in most cases, so that treatment can start promptly.

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Signs and symptoms