Where did strep throat originate. What are the main symptoms of strep throat. How is strep throat diagnosed and treated. Who is at higher risk for strep throat infections. What complications can arise from untreated strep throat.

The Origins and Spread of Strep Throat

Strep throat, a common bacterial infection, has been affecting humans for centuries. But where exactly did it come from? The causative agent, group A Streptococcus bacteria, has likely co-evolved with humans over thousands of years. These bacteria are highly adaptable and have developed mechanisms to evade the human immune system, allowing them to persist and spread efficiently within populations.

The spread of strep throat occurs primarily through respiratory droplets and direct contact. When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even talks, they release tiny droplets containing the bacteria into the air. These droplets can then be inhaled by others or land on surfaces, where they can survive for hours or even days.

Modes of Transmission

• Respiratory droplets
• Direct contact with infected individuals
• Sharing utensils or personal items
• Contact with contaminated surfaces

Is strep throat contagious before symptoms appear. Yes, individuals can spread the bacteria even if they are asymptomatic, although those with active symptoms are generally more contagious. This silent transmission contributes to the rapid spread of strep throat within communities, particularly in crowded environments like schools and daycare centers.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Strep Throat

Strep throat often presents with a distinct set of symptoms that can help differentiate it from viral throat infections. While a sore throat is the most common complaint, several other indicators can point towards a streptococcal infection.

Common Symptoms

• Sudden onset of severe sore throat
• Pain when swallowing
• Fever (usually 101°F or higher)
• Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches
• Tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth (petechiae)
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

Can strep throat cause symptoms beyond the throat area. Indeed, some individuals, especially children, may experience additional symptoms such as headaches, stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting. In rare cases, a characteristic rash known as scarlet fever may also develop.

It’s crucial to note that certain symptoms typically associated with viral infections are not characteristic of strep throat. These include coughing, runny nose, hoarseness, and conjunctivitis (pink eye). The absence of these symptoms can be an important clue in distinguishing strep throat from other upper respiratory infections.

Diagnosis and Testing for Strep Throat

Accurate diagnosis of strep throat is essential for proper treatment and prevention of complications. While symptoms can provide clues, definitive diagnosis requires laboratory testing.

Diagnostic Methods

1. Rapid Strep Test: A quick swab of the throat can detect streptococcal antigens within minutes.
2. Throat Culture: A more thorough test that involves culturing a throat swab for 24-48 hours to identify the presence of group A Streptococcus bacteria.

How accurate are rapid strep tests. Rapid strep tests have a high specificity, meaning a positive result is usually reliable. However, they may sometimes produce false negatives. In cases where a rapid test is negative but strep throat is still suspected, a throat culture may be performed for confirmation.

The process of testing is relatively simple and painless. A healthcare provider will use a long cotton swab to collect a sample from the back of the throat and tonsils. This sample is then analyzed either on-site for rapid tests or sent to a laboratory for culture.

Treatment Options for Strep Throat

Once diagnosed, strep throat is typically treated with antibiotics. This approach serves two primary purposes: to alleviate symptoms more quickly and to prevent the spread of the infection to others.

Antibiotic Treatment

• Penicillin (oral or intramuscular injection)
• Amoxicillin
• Cephalosporins (for penicillin-allergic patients)
• Macrolides (e.g., azithromycin)

How long does it take for antibiotics to work on strep throat. Most people start feeling better within 24 to 48 hours after beginning antibiotic treatment. However, it’s crucial to complete the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if symptoms improve, to ensure complete eradication of the bacteria and prevent the development of antibiotic-resistant strains.

In addition to antibiotics, symptomatic relief can be achieved through over-the-counter pain relievers, throat lozenges, and gargling with warm salt water. Adequate rest and hydration are also essential components of recovery.

High-Risk Groups for Strep Throat Infections

While anyone can contract strep throat, certain populations are at higher risk for infection or complications. Understanding these risk factors can help individuals and healthcare providers take appropriate preventive measures.

Groups at Increased Risk

• Children aged 5-15 years
• Parents of school-aged children
• Teachers and childcare workers
• Healthcare professionals
• Individuals with weakened immune systems
• People living in crowded conditions (e.g., military barracks, college dormitories)

Why are children more susceptible to strep throat. Children’s immune systems are still developing, making them more vulnerable to infections. Additionally, their close contact with peers in school and daycare settings facilitates the spread of bacteria. As children grow older and their immune systems mature, their risk of strep throat typically decreases.

For adults, the risk often correlates with exposure. Those who frequently interact with children or work in healthcare settings have a higher likelihood of encountering the streptococcus bacteria. Individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV or undergoing chemotherapy, are also at increased risk for more severe infections.

Potential Complications of Untreated Strep Throat

While strep throat is generally a mild condition when treated promptly, untreated infections can lead to serious complications. These complications underscore the importance of timely diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic therapy.

Possible Complications

• Peritonsillar abscess
• Rheumatic fever
• Poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis
• Scarlet fever
• Pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS)

How common are complications from strep throat. Serious complications from strep throat are relatively rare in the modern era of antibiotic treatment. However, they can occur, especially in cases where the infection is left untreated or in individuals with weakened immune systems. Rheumatic fever, once a common and serious complication, has become rare in developed countries due to widespread use of antibiotics.

Peritonsillar abscess, a collection of pus behind the tonsils, is one of the more common complications. It can cause severe pain and difficulty swallowing, requiring immediate medical attention. Rheumatic fever, while now uncommon, can lead to long-term heart damage if it develops. Poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis, an inflammatory condition of the kidneys, can occur even after the strep infection has been treated.

Prevention Strategies for Strep Throat

Preventing the spread of strep throat involves a combination of personal hygiene practices and environmental measures. By understanding and implementing these strategies, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of infection and help protect others in their community.

Effective Prevention Methods

• Proper hand hygiene
• Covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
• Avoiding close contact with infected individuals
• Not sharing personal items like utensils or water bottles
• Maintaining a clean environment
• Staying home when sick to prevent spreading the infection

Can strep throat be prevented through vaccination. Currently, there is no vaccine available to prevent strep throat. Research is ongoing to develop a safe and effective vaccine against group A Streptococcus, but it’s not yet available for public use. In the absence of a vaccine, prevention relies heavily on good hygiene practices and early treatment of infected individuals.

In settings where strep throat is common, such as schools or daycare centers, additional measures may be necessary. These can include regular cleaning and disinfection of shared surfaces, promoting proper hand hygiene among children, and implementing policies for exclusion of sick individuals until they are no longer contagious.

The Global Impact of Strep Throat

Strep throat is a global health concern, affecting millions of people worldwide each year. While it’s generally considered a mild condition in developed countries with access to antibiotics, its impact can be more severe in resource-limited settings.

Global Prevalence and Burden

• Estimated 616 million cases of strep throat annually worldwide
• Higher prevalence in low- and middle-income countries
• Significant economic burden due to healthcare costs and lost productivity
• Contributor to the global antibiotic resistance crisis

How does the impact of strep throat vary across different regions. In developed countries, strep throat is typically managed effectively with antibiotics, resulting in quick recovery and few complications. However, in regions with limited access to healthcare and antibiotics, untreated strep infections can lead to more serious sequelae, including rheumatic heart disease, which remains a significant cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in many developing nations.

The global burden of strep throat extends beyond immediate health impacts. The economic costs associated with doctor visits, medication, and lost work or school days are substantial. Moreover, the widespread use of antibiotics for strep throat contributes to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance, a critical global health challenge.

Efforts to address the global impact of strep throat include improving access to healthcare and diagnostics in resource-limited settings, promoting appropriate antibiotic use, and continuing research into potential vaccines. Public health initiatives focusing on prevention and early treatment play a crucial role in reducing the burden of this common but potentially serious infection.

As our understanding of strep throat continues to evolve, so too do our strategies for managing and preventing this widespread infection. From its origins as a potentially life-threatening illness to its current status as a generally manageable condition, the story of strep throat reflects the progress of modern medicine. However, challenges remain, particularly in global health equity and the fight against antibiotic resistance. Ongoing research, public health efforts, and individual preventive measures all contribute to the ongoing battle against this persistent bacterial foe.

Strep Throat: All You Need to Know

Increase in Invasive Group A Strep Infections, 2022–2023

CDC is looking into an increase in invasive group A strep (iGAS) infections among children in the United States. iGAS infections include necrotizing fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome.

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Worried your sore throat may be strep throat? Doctors can do a quick test to see if a sore throat is strep throat. Antibiotics can help people with strep throat feel better faster and prevent spreading it to others.

• Bacteria cause strep throat
• How you get strep throat
• Symptoms often include pain and fever
• Some people are at increased risk
• A simple test gives fast results

• Antibiotics are used for treatment
• Not everyone needs antibiotics
• Serious complications are not common
• Protect yourself and others

Bacteria cause strep throat

Viruses cause most sore throats. However, strep throat is an infection in the throat and tonsils caused by bacteria called group A Streptococcus (group A strep).

How you get strep throat

Group A strep bacteria are very contagious. Generally, people spread the bacteria to others through

• Respiratory droplets
• Direct contact

Rarely, people can spread group A strep bacteria through food that is not handled properly (visit CDC’s food safety page).

It usually takes two to five days for someone exposed to group A strep bacteria to become ill with strep throat.

Respiratory droplets

Group A strep bacteria often live in the nose and throat. People who are infected spread the bacteria by talking, coughing, or sneezing, which creates respiratory droplets that contain the bacteria.

People can get sick if they:

• Breathe in respiratory droplets that contain the bacteria
• Touch something with those droplets on it and then touch their mouth or nose
• Drink from the same glass or eat from the same plate as a person infected with group A strep bacteria

Direct contact

People can also spread group A strep bacteria from infected sores on their skin. Other people can get sick if they:

• Touch sores on the skin caused by group A strep bacteria (impetigo) or come into contact with fluid from the sores

People are contagious even with no symptoms

Some people infected with group A strep do not have symptoms or seem sick. People who are sick with strep throat are more contagious than those who do not have symptoms.

Symptoms often include pain and fever

In general, strep throat is a mild disease, but it can be very painful.

Common symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Pain when swallowing
• Sore throat that can start very quickly and may look red
• Red and swollen tonsils
• White patches or streaks of pus on the tonsils
• Tiny, red spots on the roof of the mouth, called petechiae
• Swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck

A healthy throat

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Signs of strep throat

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Less common symptoms may include vomiting and headache

Some people, especially children, may have other symptoms, too.

Other symptoms may include:

• Headache
• Stomach pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Rash (scarlet fever)

Symptoms do NOT include cough or runny nose

The following symptoms suggest a virus is the cause of the illness instead of strep throat:

• Cough
• Runny nose
• Hoarseness (changes in your voice that make it sound breathy, raspy, or strained)
• Pink eye (conjunctivitis)

• Up to 3 in 10 children with a sore throat have strep throat
• About 1 in 10 adults with a sore throat has strep throat

Some people are at increased risk

Anyone can get strep throat, but there are some factors that can increase the risk of getting this common infection.

Age

Strep throat is more common in children than adults. It is most common in children 5 through 15 years old. It is very rare in children younger than 3 years old.

Adults who are at increased risk for strep throat include:

• Parents of school-aged children
• Adults who are often in contact with children

Group settings

Close contact with another person with strep throat is the most common risk factor for illness. For example, if someone has strep throat, the bacteria often spread to other people in their household.

Infectious illnesses tend to spread wherever large groups of people gather. Crowded settings can increase the risk of getting a group A strep infection. These settings include:

• Schools
• Daycare centers
• Military training facilities

A simple test gives fast results

Your doctor may swab your throat to test for bacteria.

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A doctor will determine what type of illness you have by asking about symptoms and doing a physical exam. If they think you might have strep throat, they will swab your throat to test for strep throat. There are two types of tests for strep throat: a rapid strep test and throat culture.

Rapid strep test

A rapid strep test involves swabbing the throat and running a test on the swab. The test quickly shows if group A strep bacteria are causing the illness.

• If the test is positive, doctors can prescribe antibiotics.
• If the test is negative, but a doctor still suspects strep throat, then the doctor can take a throat culture swab.

Throat culture

A throat culture takes time to see if group A strep bacteria grow from the swab. While it takes more time, a throat culture sometimes finds infections that the rapid strep test misses.

Culture is important to use in children and teens since they can get rheumatic fever from an untreated strep throat infection. For adults, it is usually not necessary to do a throat culture following a negative rapid strep test. Adults are generally not at risk of getting rheumatic fever following a strep throat infection.

Antibiotics are used for treatment

Doctors treat strep throat with antibiotics. Benefits of antibiotics include:

• Decreasing how long someone is sick
• Decreasing symptoms (feeling better)
• Preventing the bacteria from spreading to others
• Preventing serious complications like rheumatic fever

Someone with strep throat should start feeling better in just a day or two after starting antibiotics. Call the doctor if you or your child are not feeling better after taking antibiotics for 48 hours.

When to return to work or school

People with strep throat should stay home from work, school, or daycare until they:

• No longer have a fever

AND

• Have taken antibiotics for at least 12 to 24 hours; ask the doctor how long you should stay home after starting antibiotics

Use antibiotics properly

1. Take the prescription exactly as the doctor says to.
2. Keep taking the medicine even if you or your child feels better. Don’t stop unless the doctor says to stop.

You can find more guidance on taking antibiotics on CDC’s Antibiotic Do’s & Don’ts Page.

Not everyone needs antibiotics

Someone who tests positive for strep throat but has no symptoms (called a “carrier”) usually does not need antibiotics. They are less likely to spread the bacteria to others and very unlikely to get complications.

If a carrier gets a sore throat illness caused by a virus, the rapid strep test can be positive. In these cases, it can be hard to know what is causing the sore throat.

If someone keeps getting a sore throat after taking the right antibiotics, they may be a strep carrier and have a viral throat infection. Talk to a doctor if you think you or your child may be a strep carrier.

Serious complications are not common

Complications can occur after a strep throat infection. This can happen if the bacteria spread to other parts of the body.

Complications can include:

• Abscesses (pockets of pus) around the tonsils or in the neck
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• Sinus infections
• Ear infections
• Rheumatic fever (a disease that can affect the heart, joints, brain, and skin)
• Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (a kidney disease)

Protect yourself and others

People can get strep throat more than once. Having strep throat does not protect someone from getting it again in the future. While there is no vaccine to prevent strep throat, there are things people can do to protect themselves and others.

Wash your hands often to help prevent germs from spreading.

Good hygiene

The best way to keep from getting or spreading group A strep is to wash your hands often. This is especially important after coughing or sneezing and before preparing foods or eating.

To prevent group A strep infections, you should:

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Put your used tissue in the waste basket.
• Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands, if you don’t have a tissue.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use an alcohol-based hand rub if soap and water are not available.

You should also wash glasses, utensils, and plates after someone who is sick uses them. These items are safe for others to use once washed.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics help prevent someone with strep throat from spreading the bacteria to others.

Related diseases

Scarlet fever

Impetigo

Necrotizing fasciitis

Cellulitis

• Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
• Food Safety Homepage
• Handwashing: When and How to Wash Your Hands
• Hygiene Etiquette and Practice: Coughing and Sneezing
• PANDAS — Questions and Answers
• Sore Throats and Antibiotic Use

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Increase in Invasive Group A Strep Infections, 2022-2023

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During the COVID-19 pandemic, severe infections caused by group A Streptococcus (group A strep) bacteria decreased by around 25% in the United States compared to the years right before the pandemic. These severe infections, called invasive group A strep (iGAS) infections, were especially low in children.

See the Data: Bact Facts Interactive

In 2020 and 2021, iGAS rates in children 2 through 17 years old were the lowest on record since 1997.

Use the Bact Facts Interactive Data Dashboard.

There were also low numbers of less severe group A strep infections (e.g., strep throat, scarlet fever) in all age groups. This was likely due to the steps many people took during the pandemic to prevent the spread of respiratory diseases (e.g., school and workplace closures, masking, physical distancing).

iGAS infections in 2022

Preliminary 2022 data indicated that iGAS infection levels in children

• Increased earlier in the season (September through November) than in a typical year
• Occurred during the same time as increases in respiratory viruses (e.g., influenza, respiratory syncytial virus [RSV]) and less severe group A strep infections
• Were higher than pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels in some areas of the country

MMWR Notes from the Field

Increase in Pediatric Invasive Group A Streptococcus Infections — Colorado and Minnesota, October–December 2022

This report summarizes iGAS findings in two locations that reflect what was happening in many places across the United States in fall 2022.

iGAS infections in 2023

Preliminary 2023 data indicate

• iGAS infections have remained high in children in some areas of the country even after respiratory viruses decreased in those areas
  • This is occurring during the time when group A strep infections are normally highest (December through April)
• Some areas of the country have also seen an increase in iGAS infections in adults, particularly in those aged 65 years or older

Less severe group A strep infections in 2022 and 2023

Based on preliminary 2022–2023 data, less severe group A strep infections in children have returned to levels similar to or higher than those seen in pre-pandemic years. Currently, these infections are at high levels throughout the country, as is typically seen from December through April.

Group A strep bacteria can cause a range of illnesses

Invasive disease means that germs invade parts of the body that are normally free from germs. When this happens, disease is usually very severe, requiring care in a hospital and even causing death in some cases. Necrotizing fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome are examples of iGAS infections.

In addition to causing uncommon but severe and invasive infections, group A strep bacteria cause common and generally mild illnesses like strep throat and scarlet fever.

• Learn about the symptoms for different group A strep infections
• Seek medical care quickly for symptoms of severe group A strep infections
• See a healthcare provider if they think they or their child has strep throat or another less severe group A strep infection
• Make sure everyone in the household is up to date with flu and chickenpox vaccines, since getting these infections can increase risk for getting an iGAS infection

• Offer prompt vaccination against influenza and varicella to all eligible persons who are not up to date
• Consider iGAS as a possible cause of severe illness
• Educate patients, especially those at increased risk, on signs and symptoms of iGAS requiring urgent medical attention especially necrotizing fasciitis, cellulitis, and toxic shock syndrome
• Obtain culture for suspected iGAS infections, including blood, wound, and pleural fluid cultures, as clinically indicated
• Follow clinical practice guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of group A strep pharyngitis
• Be mindful of potential alternative agents for treating confirmed group A strep pharyngitis in children due to the shortage of amoxicillin suspension
• Notify appropriate local or state public health departments as soon as possible about unusually aggressive or severe iGAS cases or clusters of iGAS infections
• Ask laboratories to hold iGAS isolates or send them to the state public health laboratory for temporary storage

Amoxicillin Shortage

There is a national shortage of the liquid antibiotic (amoxicillin suspension) most often prescribed to children to treat group A strep infections. The shortage is anticipated to last several months.

Clinicians: View the American Academy of Pediatrics guidance for alternative therapies during the shortage.

Parents: If your child’s doctor prescribes and you are unable to find liquid amoxicillin in your area, talk with the doctor about other antibiotic options.

• Conduct investigations of unusually aggressive or severe infections, clusters of iGAS infections, and potentially preventable infections (e.g., postpartum and post-surgical infections)
• Urgently investigate group A strep infections among residents of long-term care facilities given the increased risk for disease and death among this vulnerable population
• Follow CDC’s recommendations for preventing invasive group A streptococcal disease among household contacts of case-patients and postpartum and post-surgical patients

• Increase in Pediatric Invasive Group A Streptococcus Infections —Colorado and Minnesota, October–December 2022
• CDC HAN Health Advisory: Increase in Pediatric Invasive Group A Streptococcal Infections
• Colorado Press Release on Monitoring Increase in Invasive Group A Strep Cases, Other Bacterial Infections
• Minnesota Health Advisory: Group A Streptococcal Infections
• Pennsylvania Health Advisory: Possible Increases in Group A Streptococcal Infections

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Angina in a child: causes and prevention

Well, here it is again: the cold has come, and with it a sore throat.

How to treat a child? Rinsing, antibiotics?

Doctor’s consultation

You can get the consultation of the necessary specialist online in the Doctis application

Laboratory

You can undergo a comprehensive examination of all major body systems

• Causes of tonsillitis in a child
• Diagnosis of angina
• How flora analysis can help with angina
• Beta-hemolytic streptococcus and tonsillitis
• Tonsil removal for chronic tonsillitis
• Prevention of angina

Angina is one of the most common childhood diseases. Most often it is diagnosed in a cold
time of year – autumn and winter. Especially – in weakened children: those who often and hard
sick, tired of studying and extra-curricular activities (and immunity against the background of stress noticeably “sags”).

Symptoms of angina are well known: high temperature (up to 38.5-40. 0
degrees), chills, headache, and most importantly, a sore throat. constricting, squeezing, interfering
swallow … True, doctors consider the term “angina” obsolete. They prefer another name
acute tonsillitis.

Causes and diagnosis of angina in a child

What are the causes of angina in a child? Can viruses cause disease? Or just bacteria?

Both viruses and bacteria (up to 40% of cases), and fungi. The child is predominantly infected
by airborne droplets, as well as by contact and food. In addition, in the body practically
any child has a small amount of opportunistic pathogens. With favorable
conditions for them (hypothermia, a decrease in general and local immunity), they begin to multiply rapidly, which
can also lead to the development of the disease.

What kind of tests to take with angina? Are antibiotics always needed?

If the doctor is sure that the infection is purely viral in nature, symptomatic treatment is carried out (plentiful drinking,
rinsing, etc. ). Often for an objective assessment of the child’s condition
it is necessary to do blood and urine tests, as well as bacteriological tests (modern express tests
allows you to identify the causative agent of infection after 15 minutes).

Diagnosis should be carried out no later than the 4th day from the onset of the disease,
when early purulent complications (otitis media, sinusitis, pyelonephritis, etc.) may occur. In such cases
antibiotics will be required. But only
pediatrician.

My daughter (she is 3 years old) often has a sore throat. ENT takes a swab from her for flora, and the child
absolutely do not like it. Why this analysis at all?

A smear allows you to identify pathogenic (and opportunistic) strains and determine which antibiotics
they are sensitive. The tactics of treatment depend on this.

But this study has flaws. Firstly, the result will be only after 5-7 days. And bacterial
therapy often needs to be started earlier. Secondly, it does not always allow you to correctly identify the pathogen
infections. For example, streptococcus often hides in the depths of the tonsils, while on the surface
tonsils is dominated by normal microorganisms. In this case, the smear will be of little use. However, only
the doctor can decide whether or not this analysis is needed.

Beta-hemolytic streptococcus was found in a child. Where did he get it from? This
dangerous?

The source of streptococcus (like any other infection) can be
be a person with a sore throat, as well as an asymptomatic carrier. Contributes to the development of angina
decrease in general and local immunity, hypothermia, the presence of chronic diseases …

With streptococcal angina, there is a high probability of occurrence as early complications of a purulent nature (by 4−6
day), and late non-purulent, autoimmune complications (8-10 days). Autoimmune processes in the body
occur when the cell membrane of various organs affected by streptococcus is perceived by the immune system as
allergen. The production of antibodies to one’s own cells begins, which subsequently leads to their destruction.
Autoimmune diseases include glomerulonephritis, endocarditis, and arthritis. Therefore, streptococcal
angina must be treated by following all the doctor’s instructions.

Methods of treatment of angina in a child

The child is often ill. The pediatrician says – because of chronic tonsillitis. And persuades
remove tonsils. Will it help?

Tonsils provide local immunity. They are removed only in the most extreme cases – when the risk is high
development of complications: rheumatism, heart disease, pyelonephritis. Therefore, you need to focus on analyzes
blood, cultures, the state of health of the child in dynamics. Moreover, the concept of “often sick” –
very relative.

Many pediatricians consider it normal that in a big city a child
of preschool age can get sick up to 8-12 times a year – the immune system is completely
matures only by 8 years. If the heir does not “get out” of illnesses after 8 years,
you need to figure out why this is happening. Need to consult
with an otorhinolaryngologist
and an immunologist.

Is there a prevention of angina? If yes, which one?

Yes. hardening.
Moreover, it is better not to take a child into the pool – it can get sick. And here
to an indoor skating rink from September to May – it is possible and necessary.
It is quite cool there, but at the same time there is no wind and sudden temperature changes are excluded.
Also, monitor the condition of the air in the children’s room. The temperature should not be higher than 18-20
degrees, and the optimum humidity is 50-70%. And don’t forget to walk with your child every day.
It also heats up.

The author of the article: Inna Igorevna Rymar

Angina is not a pharyngitis for you!

Please note that the article is more than five years old and is in our archive. We are not responsible for the content of the archives, so it may be necessary to consult newer sources.

If you have a sore throat, you should contact your family doctor, who will examine the tonsils. Photo: mamababy.uaua.info

“Sometimes you ask a patient if he has ever had a sore throat, and you get the answer: “Yes, five times a year!” says otolaryngologist Elena Ivanova. “In fact, not every sore throat is a sore throat.”

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Angina is an acute inflammation of the lymphadenoid tissue of the pharynx, local manifestations of which are expressed in the palatine tonsils or, as they usually say, in the tonsils. Angina is caused by microorganisms, mainly streptococci and staphylococci.

Where did streptococcus come from?

You can get infected from a carrier of the disease who is not sick himself, or from a clearly sick person. The infection can enter the body with food, with droplets of the patient’s saliva when he coughs, or through poorly washed dishes, with food contaminated with staphylococcus aureus. Therefore, the patient and those who care for him must strictly observe hygienic requirements: the patient must have his own cup, spoon and plate, which must be poured with boiling water, and no one except the patient should use them.

Carious teeth can also be a source of infection. In the hollows and cavities of diseased teeth, there are various microbes, including those of the streptococcal series. Therefore, some ENT doctors immediately send patients to the dental office. After all, otherwise, relapses of the disease can continue, despite the treatment taken.

It is worth noting that not every sore throat is a sore throat. More often, however, there are viral diseases, the so-called colds, which are accompanied by a sore throat, runny nose and cough. With angina, there is no runny nose and cough. This is important to consider, and if the throat hurts “alone”, then you need to contact your family doctor to examine your throat.

Different types of sore throats – different sensations

There are different types of sore throats – catarrhal, lacunar, follicular, ulcerative membranous. There are also specific tonsillitis in acute infectious diseases and diseases of the blood system.

Catarrhal angina affects mainly the superficial layers of the tonsils. It begins with a feeling of dryness, soreness in the throat, which gradually develops into pain, there is a general malaise, headache. Sometimes when swallowing, this pain can be given to the ear.

Body temperature rises slightly (quite often in practice there are also non-temperature catarrhal sore throats), but there may also be chills. Slightly increase and hurt the lymph nodes near the angle of the lower jaw. Looking into the throat, you can see that the tonsils are very reddened and enlarged. In children, all this can be expressed more sharply. Such a sore throat lasts three to five days, after which, if complications do not develop, all phenomena subside.

Lacunar angina begins with a sharp rise in body temperature up to 39-40 degrees, chills, general malaise, severe pain in the throat, head, joints, muscles and even in the heart. A lot of saliva is produced. When examining the tonsils, it can be seen that they are very reddened and enlarged, and yellowish-white islands or plaque films appear on their surface that do not extend beyond the tonsils. Cervical lymph nodes enlarge and hurt. This sore throat usually lasts five to seven days. It runs rough. Low temperature can continue even after the subsidence of the main symptoms of the disease.

Follicular angina begins with sudden chills and fever up to 40 degrees and severe sore throat. With swallowing movements, pain can be felt in the ear, although the doctor does not find any changes when examining the ear. General weakness, headache, pain in the heart, joints and muscles are felt. The lymph nodes under the jaw are very sore and enlarged. On sharply reddened and edematous tonsils, whitish-yellowish, limited formations the size of a pinhead are visible.

Ulcerative membranous angina proceeds almost without disturbing the general condition of the body: the temperature is low, the general state of health is more or less satisfactory, swallowing is not painful. On the tonsils (very often only one), you can see a dirty gray coating with ulcerative areas.

It is the task of the family doctor to determine the type of angina or distinguish it from other diseases with similar symptoms. And the patient needs to be treated, following all the recommendations.

What and how to be treated

First of all, this is a strict bed rest, which must be observed not only for a period of high temperature, but also for two or three days after its normalization. It is important to observe it, because with angina there may be disorders in the cardiovascular, genitourinary and other body systems. It is also important to drink plenty of warm drinks – tea with lemon, fruit drinks, fruit jelly, juices. Frequent drinking helps to eliminate toxic products that accumulate in the body, especially during high temperatures.

Secondly, since the causative agent of the disease is a bacterium, antibiotics must be used for treatment. Some gargles for the throat, sucking tablets in this case will not help. Since the most common causative agent is streptococcus, antibiotics of the penicillin series are prescribed. And usually the effect of their use is very good – already from the third or fourth day the pain stops, the temperature drops.

It is important to note that despite the fact that when treated with antibiotics, a person begins to feel relief very quickly, you need to go through the entire course of treatment, because angina gives terrible complications. One of them is rheumatism, which affects the joints and heart muscle. The other is glomerulonephritis, which affects the kidneys. Therefore, antibiotics in this case should not be avoided and it is important to drink the entire seven to ten-day course. Another consequence of undertreated angina is its transition to a chronic form.

Thirdly, local treatment also needs to be dealt with. A good effect is given by semi-alcoholic or vodka compresses, which are applied to the submandibular regions.