Strep Throat in Adults

Strep throat is an infection in the mucous lining of the pharynx or at times, larynx and tonsils. Though it is more common in kids and teens, strep throat can also affect people of all ages. Strep throat is also referred to as streptococcal pharyngitis. Let's take a look at strep throat in adults.

Strep Throat in Adults: Causes and Symptoms

Strep throat is caused due to infection by a strain of bacteria called Group A streptococcus bacterium. Strep throat is contagious; the causal bacterium is present in the nose and throat. Hence, while coughing or sneezing, the bacterium can spread easily from the patient to another person.

The bacterium that causes strep throat may live in the throat of an individual for many days or even months, without expressing any signs of strep throat. Symptoms are usually observed when the person is under stress or suffers from low immune system. Notable signs of strep throat in adults are sore throat, fever and headache. Many a times, strep throat symptoms may also include swollen neck glands and pus formation on the side and back of throat.

Strep Throat in Adults: Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of strep throat is done based on the symptoms, physical examination and medical history of the patient. For confirmation, the physician may conduct a rapid strep test or throat culture. In the former test, material from the back of the throat is taken with the help of a long cotton swab and examined for the streptococcus bacterium. In case of throat culture, material from the throat is cultured in suitable medium, in order to analyze the presence of disease-causing microorganisms.

Treatment for strep throat in adults is mostly done with the administration of antibiotics (in order to get rid of the infection). It is advisable to continue taking antibiotics (finish the course) as per the advice of the physician to prevent recurrent infection. For relieving throat pain, mild pain killers can be used. Treatment of strep throat is required as an untreated condition, as it can often lead to severe health complications.

After taking antibiotics, symptoms may improve; but the patient is still contagious for the next 3-5 days. Symptoms may even improve without administration of medications. In such a case, the patient remain contagious for several days. The physician may also recommend home remedies for sore throat such as salt water gargle, drinking plenty of juices and avoiding spicy food.

The best way to prevent strep throat infection is to maintain personal hygiene and cleanliness. It is advisable to rinse and clean hands before and after food consumption. One should always use tissue papers to cover his/her mouth during sneezing or coughing. The used tissues should be disposed properly.

It is to be noted that all sore throats are not strep throats. If the symptom of sore throat is associated with cough, nasal congestion, vocal change and red eyes, then there are chances that the infection is caused by virus. Strep throat is more common in people who have a compromised immune system. It is recommended to undergo proper diagnosis and seek advice from a qualified physician, before following any treatments for strep throat.