What Is Strep Throat?

Strep throat is a contagious bacterial infection of the throat caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria. It spreads easily through close contact, especially among family members, schoolchildren, and those in childcare settings. Although it most commonly affects children between the ages of 5 and 15, people of all ages can contract strep throat.

If left untreated, strep throat can lead to serious complications such as kidney inflammation or rheumatic fever. Prompt treatment with antibiotics is important to prevent these outcomes.

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Symptoms of Strep Throat

The primary symptoms include:

  • Painful sore throat
  • Fever

Additional signs may include:

  • Red and swollen tonsils
  • Red spots on the roof of the mouth (palate)
  • Rash
  • Fatigue
  • White patches in the back of the throat
  • Headache
  • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
  • Difficulty swallowing

In young children, stomach pain and vomiting may also occur.

Diagnosis of Strep Throat

Diagnosis begins with a physical exam and review of symptoms. To confirm the infection, a throat culture is often taken by swabbing the throat and sending the sample to a lab to determine whether the infection is bacterial or viral. This process typically takes about 24 hours.

Because waiting for culture results can delay treatment, a rapid antigen detection test may be performed during the visit. This test detects strep bacteria antigens within minutes. However, because the rapid test is not 100% reliable, a negative result is usually followed up with a traditional throat culture for confirmation.

Treatment of Strep Throat

Treatment primarily involves a course of antibiotics to eliminate the bacterial infection. Additional supportive care includes:

  • Taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce fever and relieve throat pain
  • Getting plenty of rest
  • Drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
  • Gargling with warm salt water to soothe the throat

Most patients begin to feel better within 2 days of starting antibiotics. Completing the full course of antibiotics is essential to fully clear the infection and prevent complications.