Strep throat or streptococcal throat infection is common in children and in the elderly. It can make the throat feel sore and scratchy. The majority of the cases of sore throats have streptococcus origin. According to the ENT specialist in Gurgaon, if the strep throat infection is not treated, it might result in many complications. These complications include kidney inflammation and rheumatic fever. Strep throat is common in children, but it can affect people of all ages.
According to the best ENT Specialist in Gurgaon, and likely echoed by any qualified ENT specialist Singapore, the best way to treat a streptococcal infection is to prevent it through good hand-washing techniques and personal hygiene practices, which are mandatory.
Causes of Streptococcal infections:
Streptococcus pyogenes is the bacteria that causes throat infections. It is a contagious infection. It generally spreads through droplets when the infected person coughs or sneezes. The infection can also spread through food and drinks. It is common to pick up the infection from a doorknob or other surfaces and transfer the infection to one’s nose, mouth, and eyes.
Several other factors increase one’s risk of developing a streptococcal throat infection. According to the ENT specialist in Gurgaon, strep throat occurs mostly in children. Although it occurs all through the year, the bacteria circulates mostly in winter and early spring. It is important to treat throat infections immediately to avoid complications.
Symptoms of Streptococcal infections:
The signs and symptoms of strep throat can include the following symptoms.
- The affected individual will get throat pain that gets worse quickly.
- Affected individuals will have pain during swallowing.
- It is common to have swollen and red tonsils.
- Sometimes, the affected individual will have white patches and streaks of pus on the throat.
- It is also common to have tiny red spots on the back of the roof of the mouth.
- There could be swollen and tender lymph nodes in the neck.
- It is common to have fever, headache, and rash all through the body.
- Younger children will have nausea and vomiting.
- Body pain.
FAQ: When should we see a doctor?
If the sore throat has tender, swollen lymph glands, it is important to consult an ENT specialist in Gurgaon. If the sore throat lasts more than 48 hours and accompanies a rash and fever, it is important to consult a doctor immediately if problems with breathing and swallowing persist.
Complications:
It is important to get throat infection treatment immediately, as they can result in a series of complications. The bacteria in the throat can spread and result in infections such as tonsilitis, sinusitis, skin infections, problems in the blood, and the middle year.
Streptococcal infections can also result in inflammatory diseases such as the following.
- Scarlet fever – This is a streptococcal infection that presents as a prominent rash.
- Inflammation in the kidneys
- Rheumatic fever – this is a serious condition that causes inflammation in the heart, joints, skin and nervous system.
- Arthritis is also a complication of streptococcal infection.
Streptococcal throat infection treatment:
The best ENT Specialist in Gurgaon suggests seeing the doctor immediately if the person develops throat pain. If the test for streptococcal throat infection is positive, the doctor will start with antibiotic treatment right away. The outcome of throat infection treatment depends on how continuously the person is taking treatment. Stopping the medicine too early, taking too much medicine, or missing the doses can lead to resistance to antibiotic treatment. With treatment, the symptoms will improve, and the individual will start feeling better in one to two days.
Bottom Line:
According to the best ENT Specialist in Gurgaon, the best way to treat a streptococcal infection is to prevent it. Good hand-washing techniques and personal hygiene practices are mandatory. Children with a streptococcal infection should be kept at home to prevent the spread of the disease. Doctors will start antibiotic treatment to limit the spread of the bacteria completely.
