Strep Throat Pain

Strep throat is a less common form of sore throat because it is caused by bacteria. Most sore throats, which often accompany a cold or the flu, are caused by viruses.

Strep throat is caused by a strain of bacteria known as Streptococcus pyogenes, or group A streptococcus.

These bacteria are highly contagious. They enter the body through the nose and mouth, and are often present in the air after someone sneezes or coughs. They'll also settle onto common surfaces like bathroom or kitchen sink handles, eating utensils, TV remotes, computer keyboards, and especially doorknobs. This is why doctors recommend frequent hand washing, especially during cold and flu season.

Like a typical sore throat caused by a virus, a bacterial throat infection causes a raw, scratchy feeling and pain when swallowing. Even without treatment, it will usually go away in a few days.

Despite the fact that it will usually cure itself, it's important to differentiate between a viral sore throat and one caused by bacteria. Bacterial throat infections can sometimes trigger complications in other parts of the body, causing kidney problems and rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever can be especially dangerous because it can cause damage to heart valves, lead to painful and inflamed joints, and even a skin rash.

Strep throat affects people of all ages, but it's most common between the ages of 5 and 15.

Symptoms

Anyone who has symptoms of strep throat should visit a doctor as soon as possible. These symptoms include:

In general, signs and symptoms of strep throat include:

• throat pain,
• difficulty swallowing,
• fever,
• headache,
• skin rash,
• red and swollen tonsils (sometimes white patches or streaks of pus will appear),
• stomach pain,
• vomiting (especially in children),
• swollen, tender lymph glands in the neck,
• small red spots in the back of the roof of the mouth.

If these symptoms appear, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Treatment and relief

In some cases, your doctor will prescribe an oral antibiotic like amoxicillin, azithromycin, clarithromycin, clindamycin or a cephalosporin or penicillin (may also be given by injection).

These will relieve the symptoms, and may shorten the time the throat is infected. This reduces the risk of complications and the risk of spreading the bacteria to other people.

Once treatment gets underway, relief usually comes in a day or two. Meanwhile, pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can reduce fever and throat soreness.

It's important not to give aspirin to young children or teenagers due to the risk of Reye's syndrome, which can be life threatening. Acetaminophen, taken in large doses, can also be dangerous because it may cause liver problems.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist, and be sure to read the labels and directions before taking medication of any kind.

We also have articles dedicated to throat pain causes, strep throat, laryngitis and throat cancer.