Complications
By Mayo Clinic staffAlthough strep throat itself isn't dangerous, it may lead to serious complications — sometimes even with treatment.
Spread of infection
Strep bacteria may spread, causing infection in your:
- Tonsils
- Sinuses
- Skin
- Blood
- Middle ear
Inflammatory reactions
Strep infection may lead to other inflammatory illnesses, including:
- Scarlet fever, an illness characterized by a rash
- Inflammation of the kidney (poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis)
- Rheumatic fever, a serious condition that can affect the heart, joints, nervous system and skin
The risk of developing severe complications from strep throat is low in the United States.
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- Fleisher GR. Evaluation of sore throat in children. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 22, 2010.
- Fort GG. Rheumatic fever. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2010. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/195595841-8/984459939/2088/572.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05609-0..00027-7--s2315_11750. Accessed April 22, 2010.
- Hoecker JL (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. April 30, 2010.

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