Chronic Strep Throat in Adults

Strep throat is a bacterial infection that can make a person's throat feel scratchy and sore. This disease can affect people of all ages. Patients should see a doctor if they experience any symptoms of strep throat.

Symptoms

According to the Mayo Clinic, strep throat patients may have difficulty swallowing, tonsils that are swollen and/or small red spots on the roof of the mouth. Individuals may experience swollen lymph nodes in the neck, headaches and/or fever.

Causes

Strep throat is caused by highly contagious streptococcal bacteria and is often spread through the air after a patient sneezes or coughs. The bacteria may also be spread by touching objects that an infected person has touched such as a doorknob, bathroom object or kitchen utensil.

Complications

Untreated cases of strep throat may cause sinus infections, ear infections or tonsillitis. Rheumatic fever, inflamed kidneys and scarlet fever can also develop in people who have strep throat.

Diagnosis

A doctor can diagnose strep throat after reviewing a patient's symptoms and conducting a physical examination. Tests such as a throat culture, where a sterile swab is rubbed on the back of the throat and tonsils to obtain a sample of a patient's throat secretions which will be analyzed in a laboratory to identify bacteria, may also be performed

Treatments

Strep throat is treated with antibiotics that kill the bacteria that cause the disease. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may also be used to reduce fever and/or relieve throat pain.

References

• Mayo Clinic