Chronic Strep Throat

Sore throats and pain when swallowing are some factors that come uninvited with flu and other infections. These can be tackled with primary medication and rest. But when this pain and swelling is abnormal in nature, it is chronic, and does not show symptoms of a casual cough or sore throat. The underlying issue must be diagnosed to avoid further risks. A sore throat can be described as a swelling, irritation and soreness in the throat. A strep throat is defined as a throat infection, that has few similar symptoms like a sore throat, and pain when swallowing, etc. Chronic strep throat is recurrent infection of the throat, caused by a bacterium belonging to the group 'A' of streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. A chronic throat is most common in children, but can happen to any one at any age. These bacteria also cause a throat infection called tonsillopharyngitis. These infections may lead to serious risks, if not treated on time.

Causes

This infection is contagious. Any contact with an infected person can spread the bacteria. It mostly spreads in areas of larger crowds like nurseries, military camps, schools, etc. Other factors that cause this throat infection are usually viral or bacterial. Viral causes usually lead to severe strep throat in toddlers and children, and they are active in non winter months. The main bacterial cause is the streptococcus bacteria, and Mycoplasma, Corynebacterium, Neisseria and Yersinia are some other causes.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of tonsillopharyngitis and strep throat are very common, and it is difficult to distinguish between the both. The infected throat will usually show signs like enlarged lymph nodes, fever, inflammation of the throat that causes the throat to become swollen and reddish, and a yellowish or whitish coating on the tonsils and the back part of the throat. A strep throat will usually not cause a cough, cold and other flu like symptoms. The other common symptoms that can be seen in tonsillopharyngitis and strep throat are, pain when swallowing, headache, nausea and vomiting, a sudden sore throat infection, rash, etc. When there is a sign of rash, it usually is caused because of the harmful toxins that the bacteria releases in strep throat, so this rash should not be associated with a skin infection. The signs and symptoms may differ with age, and in case of children, the symptoms will be more prominent as compared to adults.

Diagnosis

A recurrent strep throat will be active for most of the time in a year, usually more than 5 to 7 times in a year. In case of severe vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, rash, etc., these call for immediate treatment. The diagnosis will be done with the help of tests like a swab test of the throat, a soft cotton ball can be used to collect the swabs in the throat, a lab test will then help in the exact diagnosis. A blood test and also a rapid strep test (also known as Rapid Antigen Detection Test or RADT ) can be advised, that can detect the infection.

Treatment

Usually, most of us will take over-the-counter antibiotics in the initial stages, however, it is advisable in case of a recurrent strep throat to strictly consult a physician. Consuming antibiotics can also hamper the test results during diagnosis. The best treatment that one can take is precaution, since it is a contagious infection. Basic hygiene like washing the hands, covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing, avoiding direct physical contact with an infected person, etc., can help a long way.

Treatment after diagnosis will be based on doses of antibiotics in case of a bacterial infection. For viral infections, antibiotics will usually not be prescribed, a complete course of drugs with adequate rest and care will be prescribed. Some of the medicines prescribed for treatment are - Penicillin, which is the best and the most common and effective for treating strep throat. An oral or an injectable penicillin may be advised. Other antibiotics may be prescribed that are effective cures for strep throat.

The important factor is to understand the nature of the swollen and sore throat that makes a strep throat. Prevention is the best when it comes to treating a chronic strep throat. Combine this with good immunity, it will help fight not only chronic but even minor infections.