Our mouth is a hotbed of various kinds of bacteria. While most germs are not harmful to us and don't pose any health threats, there are some that can cause infections. One of these infections involves the throat.
One of the symptoms of strep throat is pain and the feeling of tightness in the throat. This condition is sometimes mistaken as sore throat. While sore throat is accompanied by swelling and a burning sensation in the throat, strep throat comes with headache and fever as well as body pains and difficulty in swallowing. Generally, strep throat is much more severe compared to sore throat.
These symptoms may also include swollen lymph nodes in the neck. The tonsils may become red and swollen, with or without patches of pus. Symptoms in children experiencing strep throat may also include vomiting and stomach pains.
Strep throat is caused by the bacteria known as Streptococcus pyogenes. This type of bacteria is very contagious. It can spread easily, whether through coughs and sneezes or shared food and drinks.
If you or your child exhibits these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- If sore throat persists without being accompanied by runny nose or swollen lymph nodes.
- If sore throat lasts for more than 48 hours.
- If there is difficulty in breathing or swallowing.
- If diagnosed with strep throat and has taken medication but there are no signs of improvement.
- If strep throat is accompanied by fever, joint pains, shortness of breath or rash.