Streptococcal Sore Throat: Photo, Treatment In Children And Adults, Symptoms

2024 Author: Rachel Wainwright | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 07:39

Streptococcal angina in children and adults: symptoms, treatment, prognosis

The content of the article:

Symptoms of streptococcal sore throat
Treatment of streptococcal sore throat
Prognosis and complications
Video

Streptococcal sore throat in children and adults is the most common disease in the autumn-winter period. It is characterized by a severe course and frequent development of complications.

Strep throat is characterized by sore throat and difficulty swallowing

Strep throat is an inflammation of the tonsils of the pharyngeal ring caused by a bacterial infection. In most cases, the tonsils are affected. Streptococcus is a gram-positive bacteria of oval or spherical shape. These microorganisms are arranged in chains or pairs.

The cause of the development of the disease is β-hemolytic (pyogenic) group A streptococcus. It produces toxins and enzymes that damage body tissues. These bacteria are very resistant and can retain their properties for a long period at low temperatures and when dried. They can live in sputum for several months.

The causative agent of the disease is pyogenic streptococcus

Streptococcus bacteria are transmitted by airborne droplets - by coughing, sneezing or talking. Also, infection can occur through contact with an infection carrier or through household items and personal hygiene. Some people are carriers of streptococcus, while they do not have serious illnesses and do not need antibiotic treatment.

Symptoms of streptococcal sore throat

The incubation period is 2 to 5 days. Bacteria, getting on the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract, invade and begin to produce toxins. Then the patient has the first symptoms.

Angina usually begins with an acute rise in body temperature

The disease begins acutely with a rise in body temperature to high numbers (38.5–39 ° C). It can persist for several days and be accompanied by chills, nausea, vomiting, and confusion.

There is discomfort in the throat, perspiration, a feeling of dryness and difficulty swallowing. In the future, there is pain in the oropharynx, which increases with the appearance of purulent plugs. The painful sensations can be very intense. This leads to the patient refusing to eat. Sore throat is often associated with ear pain.

The tonsils swell and increase in size, characteristic white-yellow point-shaped follicles appear on their surface, which are not inclined to merge into a common figure. With lacunar sore throat, pus covers most of the tonsils and accumulates in the lacunae (as can be seen in the photo). Purulent plaque can be easily removed with a spatula without the risk of bleeding.

With angina, the tonsils increase in size and the formation of purulent plaque

Regional lymph nodes become inflamed. They increase in size, and painful sensations arise in this area on palpation.

The general symptoms of pathology include weakness, dizziness, drowsiness, and lack of appetite.

With proper treatment, the patient's condition begins to improve 7–8 days after the onset of the disease. The body temperature returns to normal, the plaque on the tonsils disappears, the pain in the throat disappears. Fatigue and weakness can persist for a week.

Treatment of streptococcal sore throat

Since the causative agent of streptococcal tonsillitis is bacteria, antibiotics are used in the treatment of pathology. In order to identify the sensitivity of microorganisms to drugs, a special analysis is performed, for which a smear is taken from the mucous membranes of the oropharynx.

To determine the pathogen, a swab is taken from the oropharynx

What antibiotics can cure the disease? In the therapy of angina, the following are used:

antibacterial agents of the penicillin series (Amoxil, Amoxiclav, Augmentin, Benzylpenicillin);
cephalosporins (Cefix, Cefodox, Ceftriaxone, Emssef);
macrolides (Azithromycin, Clarithromycin).

The drugs are prescribed in the form of a suspension, tablets or capsules, depending on the patient's age and the severity of the disease. In severe cases, drugs are shown in the form of intramuscular or intravenous injections.

You cannot independently shorten the course of treatment, even with a rapid onset of improvement. This can lead to a relapse of the disease and the development of complications.

In order to lower body temperature and relieve sore throat, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs based on ibuprofen, paracetamol, nimesulide or acetylsalicylic acid are prescribed. It must be remembered that drugs based on acetylsalicylic acid and nimesulide are contraindicated for children under 12 years of age.

Antiseptics are used to relieve sore throat, soften mucous membranes, and reduce inflammation. They are produced in the form of lozenges or lozenges (Strepsils, Septolete, Faringosept, Lidoxan). Such preparations contain antiseptic and analgesic components. The tablets are kept in the mouth until they are completely dissolved. After that, it is not recommended to eat or drink water for 30–40 minutes.

Gargling can help relieve sore throat and reduce inflammation

Antiseptics are also produced in the form of aerosols (Septolete, Ingalipt, Tantum Verde, Orasept, Cameton). Such funds are used 3-4 times a day until the symptoms of the disease recede.

You can improve the condition with rinsing. For this, solutions of Furacilin, Chlorhexidine, Miramistin or Potassium permanganate are used. Also, rinses, which are prepared at home, have a good effect, adding a teaspoon of soda, salt and a few drops of iodine to a glass of warm water.

Treatment for streptococcal tonsillitis is usually done at home. Patients with concomitant chronic diseases or suspected complications are referred to a hospital.

In order for the treatment to be successful, you must adhere to the following rules:

observe bed rest, give up physical activity and avoid stressful situations;
eat food in small portions up to 5 times a day. Preference is given to soups, mashed potatoes or liquid porridges. Just like drinks, they are slightly warmed up. Spicy, salty and sour foods are excluded from the diet;
observe the drinking regime. You need to consume at least two liters of liquid per day (tea, dried fruit compote, fruit drink or still mineral water). The temperature of the drinks should be at room temperature in order not to irritate the inflamed mucous membrane.

The room where the patient is located should be regularly ventilated and wet cleaned in it. The air in the room should be cool and humid, this will help relieve the patient's condition.

Prognosis and complications

If the treatment is started on time and all the doctor's recommendations are strictly followed, after 10-14 days the patient will fully recover and return to normal life. In other cases, the disease can become chronic and cause many complications, such as:

stenosing laryngitis. Inflammation of the lining of the larynx, as a result of which it narrows, and the patient shows signs of suffocation. Without timely medical care, this can be fatal;
otitis. The inflammation spreads to the middle ear, causing severe pain;
sepsis. Infection of blood leads to disruption of the work of internal organs and in severe cases can cause death of the patient;
glomerulonephritis and pyelonephritis. This is an inflammatory process in the kidney area, as a result of which renal failure can develop;
rheumatoid arthritis. This is an autoimmune disease that occurs after a sore throat and leads to joint damage;
infectious myocarditis. Inflammation of the heart muscle, leading to disruption of the heart.

One of the possible complications of angina is rheumatoid arthritis

In order to avoid infection with streptococcus, it is necessary to follow the rules of personal hygiene and avoid crowded places during the epidemic. You also need to strengthen the immune system, eat right and get rid of bad habits. If symptoms of the disease are detected, you should seek the advice of an otolaryngologist or therapist.