What is strep throat?
Causes, symptoms, complications, treatments and prevention
SSHIVANGI KARN
trep throat is a common bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as group A streptococcus (GAS). The bacterium is ubiquitous or found everywhere as it is a human-specific pathogen and may cause mild to life-threatening infections in humans.
As the name suggests, strep throat is an infection of the throat and tonsils. It is a serious form of sore throat and may last for more than five days. Strep throat is also a contagious infection like flu and cold and usually affects school-going children. In this article, we will discuss all about strep throat. Take a look.
Causes of strep throat
According to a study, infections such as strep throat caused by Streptococcus pyogenes are highly contagious; which is why it can spread from one individual to another in ways like airborne droplets, nasal discharge, hand or skin contact, contaminated food sources, contaminated wounds or lesions or through contaminated objects or surfaces.
The infection is prevalent during the winter season between the months of November to April.
Children between 5-15 years of age are at an increased risk of strep throat. According to the CDC, the infection is rare in children who are below three years of age and affects only around 5-10 per cent of adults, especially parents of school-going children and tutors.
Strep throat spreads among family members when they come in close contact with another family member who has the infection.
Complications of strep throat
Untreated strep throat for a longer period can cause complications like: Acute rheumatic fever Glomerulonephritis, inflammation of the tiny filters of the kidneys.
Neuropsychiatric disorders like anxiety, obsessive or compulsive behaviours, depression and developmental regression. Pus-filled disease or condition. Middle-ear infection
Sinuses