Sore Throat (cont.)
What is strep throat and why is it different?
Strep throat is caused by Streptococcus bacteria, which are the same bacteria that causes
rheumatic fever. Only 5%-10% of adult sore throats are caused by strep, whereas about 15%-40% of sore throats in children are related to strep. For this reason, many health care professionals will recommend a "rapid Strep" test for a patient with a sore throat. The "rapid Strep" test can usually be done in the office and takes 15-20 minutes. If the result is negative, it is often followed with a strep culture. If either of these is positive, the sore throat is generally treated with penicillin or another antibiotic.
A major objective of treating strep throat is to prevent the development of rheumatic fever, a serious illness that can cause joint pain and heart valve damage. However, antibiotics do not necessarily speed the healing of the sore throat itself, and antibiotics are of no help for a sore throat unless it is caused by strep. Another strep- related illness, scarlet fever, can cause a rash, but will not cause heart injury or joint pain. For more, please read the
Strep Throat article.
When should I seek medical care for a sore throat?
Seek medical care:
- If you have been in contact with someone with strep throat
and you have a sore throat, it is reasonable to have a strep test
done.
- If your sore throat is associated with a fever, swollen "glands" (lymph nodes), or white patches on the back of your throat.
- If your sore throat is not associated with other cold symptoms (runny nose, watery eyes, sinus congestion).
- Any sore throat that has a sudden onset and is associated with a fever.
- If you are having trouble swallowing liquids (pain with swallowing is to be expected with a sore throat).
- If your sore throat persists for more than a week.
- If you have a sore throat and the front of your neck is sore and stiff.
Next: What if I have multiple episodes of strep throat? »
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