streptococcal pharyngitis
Sign in to saveinfection of the back of the throat including the tonsils caused by group A streptococcus
AI overview
Streptococcal pharyngitis is an infection of the back of the throat and tonsils caused by a bacterium called group A streptococcus. It matters because it's a common bacterial infection that requires medical attention to prevent complications and relieve symptoms.
AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.
Key facts
- Other names
- Streptococcal sore throat, strep throat
- Specialty
- Infectious disease , otorhinolaryngology , family medicine
- Symptoms
- Fever, sore throat, enlarged lymph nodes
- Usual onset
- 1–3 days after exposure
- Duration
- 7–10 days
- Causes
- Group A streptococcus
- Risk factors
- Sharing drinks or eating utensils
- Diagnostic method
- Throat culture , strep test
- Differential diagnosis
- Epiglottitis , infectious mononucleosis , Ludwig's angina , peritonsillar abscess , retropharyngeal abscess , viral pharyngitis
- Prevention
- Handwashing, covering coughs
- Treatment
- Paracetamol (acetaminophen), NSAIDs , antibiotics
- Frequency
Article
Streptococcal pharyngitis, also known as streptococcal sore throat (strep throat), is pharyngitis (an infection of the pharynx, the back of the throat) caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, a gram-positive, group A streptococcus. Common symptoms include fever, sore throat, red tonsils, and enlarged lymph nodes in the front of the neck. A headache and nausea or vomiting may also occur. Some develop a sandpaper-like rash which is known as scarlet fever. Symptoms typically begin one to three days after exposure and last seven to ten days.
Strep throat is spread by respiratory droplets from an infected person, spread by talking, coughing or sneezing, or by touching something that has droplets on it and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes. It may be spread directly through touching infected sores. It may also be spread by contact with skin infected with group A strep. The diagnosis is made based on the results of a rapid antigen detection test or throat culture. Some people may carry the bacteria without symptoms.