Children and teenagers are the most common age group that experiences strep throat infections. When detected early and treated promptly, the condition can go away leaving the patient unscathed and healthy. When left untreated, re-infection can occur and the patient is at a higher risk for developing complications.
Chronic Strep Throat
- Step throat refers to an illness caused by the group A streptococcus bacterium.
- This is a contagious disease that affects the throat and tonsils.
- The most commonly affected age group are school-aged children and teenagers especially those between the ages of 5 and 15 years old.
- Adults can also develop the infection but is uncommon with an incidence rate of 5 to 10%.
- The disease commonly occurs during late fall and early spring and also during the school year where children are gathered together in an enclosed environment.
- Due to advancements in medicine and technology, strep throat can now be easily treated if detected earlier.
- The risk of leaving strep throat untreated includes the development of complication and also an increased risk of recurrent infection.
- Complications of untreated strep throat include:
- Tonsillitis
- Sinus and ear infection
- Scarlet fever
- Kidney inflammation
- Rheumatic fever
Chronic Strep Throat Symptoms
Symptoms of strep throat and chronic strep throat are basically the same but differ in severity and in response to treatment.
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Tender and swollen lymph nodes on the neck
- Yellow or white patches found on the tonsils or at the back of the throat
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- General ill feeling or feeling of unease
- Loss of appetite
- Skin rash
- Red spots on the hard or soft palate
- Positive for streptococcus on throat culture.
Chronic Strep Throat Treatment
Various treatment methods are available for treating recurrent strep throats.
- Antibiotic treatment – this is the first line of treatment for strep throat. This can be given orally or intravenously depending on the severity of the disease.
- Surgery – recurrent strep throats that do not respond to antibiotic treatment warrants surgical intervention such as tonsillectomy.
- Prevention – considered one of the best treatments for strep throat.
- Hand washing
- Avoid sharing of utensils
- Covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing.
- Boosting the immune system by proper diet and vitamin supplementation.
- Getting enough rest and sleep.