How to Recognize The Symptoms Of Strep Throat
One of the more common causes of sore throat is a bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes. Routinely known as strep throat it usually occurs in children and teens; however, adults can be infected as well. The symptoms of strep throat can be challenging to differentiate from other causes of sore throats such as a viral pharyngitis . Fortunately there are several specific signs and symptoms that when seen together can be highly suggestive of strep throat. By knowing what to look for you can learn to recognize the symptoms of strep throat?
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Instructions
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Consider strep throat when a sore throat is accompanied by swollen and tender lymph nodes in the neck.
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Monitor for a fever if strep throat is a possible consideration. Viral sore throats can also cause an elevated temperature though less frequently.
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Remember that strep throat is more common in children less than 15 years old. If sore throat occurs in someone older than 45 years of age strep throat is less likely.
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Watch for sore throat, fatigue, muscle aches and headache in the absence of cough when considering the possibility of strep throat.
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Look for swollen or inflamed tonsils and white exudates when checking for strep throat. Many viral infections including mononucleosis can present with white tonsillar exudates as well so look for additional criteria.
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Tips & Warnings
When uncertain about the cause of a sore throat doctors frequently will perform either a rapid office strep test or a throat culture.
Antibiotics are necessary to safely eradicate strep throat infection.
Untreated strep throat infections can cause rare but serious medical complications that have serious consequences. It's therefore important to recognize the symptoms of strep throat.
