Symptoms & Side Effects of Strep Throat

Strep throat is easily treated with antibiotics, but it can lead to serious complications if left undiagnosed or untreated. Fortunately, strep throat causes several unique symptoms to appear so that it may be diagnosed quickly. If these symptoms appear, see a doctor quickly since to only way to be positive of the diagnosis is for the doctor to swab the throat for bacteria.

When are you Susceptible?

Although anyone is susceptible to strep throat, it is most common in children between the ages of 5 and 15. Strep throat knows no season, so it can be caught any time of the year.

Common Symptoms

There are several symptoms that manifest themselves in most strep throat patients. These symptoms include sudden fever, nausea, red rash, sore throat and white patches at the back of the throat.

Less Common Symptoms

Some extreme cases of strep throat show additional symptoms such as headache, joint stiffness, nasal congestion and discharge as well as neck pain.

Additional Complications

If left untreated, strep throat can develop into more serious diseases or infections, which include ear infection, sinus infection or scarlet fever.

Diagnosis

The best way to diagnose strep throat is to take a throat culture. The health care professional will swab the back of the throat and allow the bacteria to "culture" (grow) in a laboratory.