Streptococcal throat infection and pain is extremely common both in adults as well as children. As the name suggests strep throat is caused by streptococcus bacteria. It is a contagious disease spread from one person to another. Mode of transmission is through direct saliva, nasal secretion and mouth to mouth contact.
For a patient the condition is extremely difficult to know especially as there are many other conditions that may cause sore and scratchy throat. In such case patient has to take professional medical help. The other reason for early identification is to reduce the risk of complications such as rheumatic fever and inflammation in kidney which are common in untreated cases.
What Causes Strep Throat Infection?
Strep throat infection is a bacterial infection. It is caused by group A streptococcus bacteria. It is highly contagious infection. After entering into throat, the organisms invade pharynx and surrounding tissue including tonsils. It produces inflammatory changes in throat giving rise to throat pain.
Strep throat is common among children but adults also suffer from this problem.
Direct contact with saliva and mouth to mouth contact, shared food and drinks, or contact with shared utensils can also spread the infection. Strep throat pain is common during early spring and late fall months.
Signs And Symptoms Of Strep Throat Infection
The symptom severity may vary from person to person depending on his body’s ability to resist the infection. Some patients may have mild sore throat while some may experience pain severe pain in throat with difficulty in swallowing and other constitutional symptoms. Below are given common symptoms of strep throat infection.
- Sore throat.
- Sudden onset of fever. Body temperature is extremely high.
- Chills and body ache.
- Red and swollen throat.
- Swollen tonsils.
- Painful lymph nodes in neck.
- White spots on tonsils.
- Difficulty while swallowing.
The symptoms begin 5 to 6 days after bacteria enter in the body. There are many other conditions such as viral sore throat, sinusitis and acid reflux giving rise to throat pain. Sore throat caused due to these conditions usually improves within few days. But strep sore throat requires diligent treatment.
Home Remedies To Relieve Strep Throat Pain
Early detection and treatment of strep throat is beneficial in reducing the risk of complication. In addition to antibiotics, there are several other home remedies that compliment the conventional treatment. Especially these home remedies soothe your throat quickly and allow you to swallow food without pain.
- Salt water gargles reduce pain and checks the growth of bacteria as salt has mild antibacterial properties.
- Apple cider vinegar is time tested home remedy for treating strep throat. Put one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glassful of water.
- Vitamin C is beneficial in relieving inflammation in throat. Citric fruits are rich source of vitamin C. Drink lemon juice mixed with honey two times in a day. Drink orange juice or strawberry shake as both are rich in vitamin C.