Strep Throat

About Strep Throat

Strep throat is caused by Group A Streptococcus GAS bacteria, specifically Streptococcus pyogenes. Symptoms include sudden severe sore throat, pain with swallowing, fever, swollen tonsils with white patches, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, and tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth. Unlike viral sore throats, strep throat typically does not cause cough or runny nose. The disease is most common in children ages 5 to 15. Untreated strep throat can lead to complications including rheumatic fever, which can damage heart valves, and post streptococcal glomerulonephritis, which affects the kidneys. Rheumatic heart disease remains a major problem in developing countries. Diagnosis is made through rapid antigen testing or throat culture. Treatment is with antibiotics such as penicillin or amoxicillin, chosen and dosed by a clinician, which shorten illness, reduce transmission, and help prevent rheumatic fever.