Strep Throat Symptoms

Strep throat is a common bacterial infection. Symptoms of strep throat include severe throat pain, fever, swollen glands in the neck, a bright red throat, and white or yellow patches on the back of the throat. It is usually NOT accompanied by cough or sneezing.

The main complications of untreated strep throat occur when the bacteria spreads. This includes:

• middle ear infection (otitis media),
• sinus infection (sinusitis),
• cellulitis, or
• abscess of the tonsils or pharynx.

More rare and serious complications of untreated strep throat include

• necrotizing fasciitis,
• streptococcal bacteremia,
• acute rheumatic fever,
• scarlet fever,
• streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (strep TSS),
• glomerulonephritis,
• meningitis, or
• brain abscess.

Strep throat symptoms usually last from two to five days. Antibiotics are the first line treatment and while they may not reduce the duration of symptoms, you should be less contagious within 24 hours of starting treatment. Take all prescribed antibiotics, even if you feel better before you are finished. If symptoms do not improve within three days of taking antibiotics, see your doctor again.

QUESTION

Just about any painful sore throat is caused by strep. See Answer