{"id":555,"date":"2017-09-28T07:03:28","date_gmt":"2017-09-28T07:03:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/veryhealthy.life\/?p=555"},"modified":"2021-07-12T13:42:43","modified_gmt":"2021-07-12T13:42:43","slug":"14-common-symptoms-strep-throat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/veryhealthy.life\/14-common-symptoms-strep-throat\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Most Common Symptoms of Strep Throat"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Streptococcal pharyngitis, more commonly known as strep throat, is a throat bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils that is caused by a group A streptococcal infection. People of all ages can be affected by this bacterium. In fact, 1 in 10 of all conditions that affect the throat area caused by the streptococcal bacterium, though children are more susceptible to the illness, especially those who are between the ages of 5 and 15.<\/p>\n

Strep throat is highly contagious, which is why it\u2019s important to be aware of the signs that indicate you have been affected by the illness so as to avoid spreading it to others. If you have strep, you could infect someone else by simply sharing a glass with them.<\/p>\n

A culture of the throat is necessary to confirm a diagnosis of strep; however, there are several tell-tale signs and symptoms that will indicate you have come down with the condition. Once strep throat is confirmed, a series of antibiotics will likely be prescribed in order to speed up recovery time and to prevent further complications from developing.<\/p>\n

Remember that strep throat can present symptoms that are similar to other conditions, such as a viral infection or chronic bronchitis. This is why a throat culture is necessary, and why you should see a doctor as soon as possible if you develop any of the following 14 symptoms.<\/p>\n

1. Difficulty swallowing<\/h3>\n

One of the first and most common signs of strep throat<\/a> is difficulty swallowing. You might notice that you are having a hard time swallowing foods or beverages, or that it\u2019s tough to swallow your own saliva. Since strep throat enlarges the tonsils, the swallowing mechanism is unable to function as it normally would. If you notice that you are having a hard time swallowing, schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible to rule out or confirm that strep throat is the cause of the problem.<\/p>\n

\"\"2. A sore throat<\/h3>\n

This is another highly common and obvious symptom of strep throat. The soreness can range from mild to severe, making it more difficult to swallow or even engage in speaking. Typically, a sore throat will develop about five days after being exposed to the streptococcal bacterium. If you do develop a sore throat<\/a>, there are some things that you can do to comfort the pain.<\/p>\n

Cough medicine that offers a pain reliever could help to soothe your throat, as can sucking on a throat lozenge, or drinking tea with honey mixed into it. Inhaling steam could also provide relief, as the steam can help to reduce the inflammation of the tonsils that are contributing to the pain.<\/p>\n

\"\"3. Redness of the throat<\/h3>\n

Though a sore throat and difficulty swallowing are two common signs of strep throat, they are also symptoms that are associated with other throat infections. If you are experiencing these two symptoms and you also have a red throat, it is likely that you do, indeed, have strep throat and not another infection.<\/p>\n

With strep, the throat often appears extremely red, including the tonsils<\/a>. Use a flashlight to examine your throat in the mirror. If you aren\u2019t able to check your throat yourself, ask someone else to examine it for you. Pressing your tongue down with a teaspoon can help to keep it out of the way so that you can get a clear look at your throat.<\/p>\n

\"\"4. A nagging headache<\/h3>\n

Headaches<\/a> are another very common symptom associated with strep throat. The cause of a headache is likely due to the cytokines that your body releases when an infection is present. These cytokines trigger inflammation and can actually alter the behavior of the brain, causing it to become inflamed, too.<\/p>\n

You might also feel like you are in a fog and find it difficult to concentrate. A strep throat headache is usually dull, nagging, and uncomfortable. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help to ease the pain.<\/p>\n

\"\"5. Enlarged lymph nodes<\/h3>\n

If you have a sore, red throat, feel the lymph nodes<\/a> that are located on either side of the jaw just below the neck. You will likely notice that they are inflamed. The lymph nodes detoxify the body, removing toxins and other contaminants, such as the bacterium that causes strep throat, from the blood.<\/p>\n

When an illness is present, the lymph nodes work overtime, which can cause them to become inflamed. The only way to treat swollen lymph nodes is to treat the strep throat. Prescription medications will help to kill off the bacteria, and thus your lymph nodes will return to their normal size.<\/p>\n

\"\"6. White patches on the throat and tonsils<\/h3>\n

One of the hallmark symptoms of strep throat is white patches on the throat and tonsils. The reason for these patches is the bacterium that causes strep. This bacterium can \u201chang out\u201d on the tonsils and in the throat<\/a>, and thus cause the development of white patches.<\/p>\n

If you have a sore throat that is accompanied by white patches, there is a chance that you could have strep throat. However, there are other conditions that can cause white spots in the throat, such as infectious mononucleosis and oropharyngeal candidiasis. If it is strep throat, the white spots will start to go away once you begin taking medication.<\/p>\n

\"\"7. Changes to the voice<\/h3>\n

Another common symptom associated with strep throat is changed to the throat. The voice may become hoarse and sound deeper and raspier, or you may completely lose your voice. It might become difficult for air to pass through your windpipe when you speak as a result of the pain and inflammation<\/a> in your throat.<\/p>\n

This could end up making your voice sound markedly different than normal, or it may make your voice become very faint. If this happens, try resting your voice as much as you possibly can. Doing so will prevent irritating your throat \u2013 and your voice \u2013 any further.<\/p>\n

\"\"8. Nausea and vomiting<\/h3>\n

Many people who develop strep throat also experience nausea and vomiting<\/a>. An upset stomach is not an unusual side effect with any type of bacterial infection, including strep throat. You may feel queasiness or discomfort in your stomach, which could make you feel like you want to vomit.<\/p>\n

In fact, you may actually end up vomiting. This can compound the soreness that you are experiencing in your throat. If you do feel nauseous, try drinking tea infused with ginger or peppermint, as they can help to soothe an upset stomach.<\/p>\n

\"\"9. Decreased appetite<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s not unusual to want to eat less when you have strep throat. Why? Well, your throat is in pain and it\u2019s difficult to swallow, therefore eating becomes less desirable. Add to that the fact that you may feel nauseous and eating is something that you may want to avoid at all costs. When you stop eating regularly, the body starts to rely on its reserves, so your cravings may also be reduced.<\/p>\n

Even though you may have less of an appetite<\/a>, it\u2019s still important to eat. You need the nutrition to fight off the infection and prevent other problems from occurring. Instead of large meals or bulky foods that may be difficult to swallow, try drinking nourishing soups, such as tomato or chicken broth.<\/p>\n

\"\"10. A fever<\/h3>\n

Any type of infection can cause your temperature to rise. That\u2019s because a fever<\/a> is the body\u2019s natural way of trying to kill off harmful bacteria. By raising its temperature, the body is making itself less hospitable for the bacterium that causes strep throat.<\/p>\n

A fever associated with strep throat can come on suddenly and can reach a temperature of 101 degrees F or more. If your fever goes any higher, or if a baby develops a fever higher than 100 degrees F, contact a doctor as soon as possible.<\/p>\n

\"\"11. A red rash<\/h3>\n

In some people, strep throat may cause the development of a rash<\/a>. This rash will appear red in color and will first appear over the neck and chest, but it can extend over the entire body. It might also be rough to the touch, though it will unlikely be painful.<\/p>\n

This condition is known as scarlet fever, and it is a reaction to the bacterium that causes strep. If left untreated, scarlet fever can be dangerous. If you do develop a rash, it is important to seek prompt medical attention. With proper and fast treatment, scarlet fever will resolve without causing further complications.<\/p>\n

\"\"12. Pain in the neck<\/h3>\n

In addition to having a sore throat<\/a>, you might also experience some degree of pain in the neck itself. This pain can extend from the entire length of your neck, toward the upper portion of your chest. It will likely be an aching pain that can be mild to moderately uncomfortable.<\/p>\n

Over-the-counter pain medications can remedy this pain, as can a prescription for your doctor. You might also want to try applying a heating pad to the affected site.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"13. Coughing<\/h3>\n

Strep throat is commonly spread through coughing, so it isn\u2019t surprising that this is also one of the symptoms of this infection. The cough<\/a> likely won\u2019t produce anything, as it would if you had a cold or another infection of the lungs; rather, it will probably be more dry and hacking.<\/p>\n

If you do develop a cough, it is important that you cover your mouth at all times to prevent spreading the illness. Also, remember to wash your hands to further prevent infecting other people.<\/p>\n

\"\"14. Sore throat persists<\/h3>\n

There are several conditions that can cause the development of a sore throat. However, with viral infections, this symptom usually subsides relatively quickly.<\/p>\n

With strep throat<\/a>, on the other hand, a sore throat may last for several days or longer; in severe cases, the pain can last for weeks. If you have had a sore throat for a length of time that seems abnormally long, you should definitely see your doctor, as you more than likely have strep.<\/p>\n\r\n

<\/div>