Strep throat is a condition that can make your throat feel sore and scratchy. Caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pyrogenes (also known as group A streptococcus), strep throat is contagious. It can easily spread through droplets, which means an infected person can spread it through coughing, sneezing, or sharing food and drinks.
You can also pick up group A streptococcus from touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
What are the Risk Factors and Signs and Symptoms?
Strep throat is common in kids. The number of strep throat cases tend to rise around winter and early spring.
Signs and Symptoms
Throat pain is the most common symptom of strep throat. Other than throat discomfort, you may also notice:
- Difficulty or painful swallowing
- Red or swollen tonsils
- Tiny red spots on the soft or hard palate
- Swollen and tender lymph nodes on the neck area
- Headache
- Fever
- Body aches
- Nausea and vomiting
Diagnosing and Treating Strep Throat
To confirm strep throat, a throat specialist (an ENT doctor) may order one or a combination of the following:
- Rapid antigen test
- Molecular test
- Throat culture
If confirmed, antibiotics and other medications to relieve the symptoms (e.g. antipyretics for fever and over-the-counter pain medicines for body aches and throat pain) may be prescribed.
It’s important to see a specialist if you suspect that you or your child has strep throat. If left untreated, strep throat can have serious complications.
The infection can spread and may even lead to inflammatory conditions such as scarlet fever, rheumatic fever, and inflammation of the kidneys.
Trust our Experts
Our doctors at Greater Knoxville ENT can assess your throat condition. Our expert Otolaryngologists have years of experience in diagnosing and treating strep, and we are thrilled to help you find the most suitable treatment for strep throat.
To request an appointment, please call (865) 244-4396.