Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the tissues in the back of the throat and the tonsils. The tissues become irritated and inflamed, causing a sudden, severe sore throat.
What causes strep throat?
Strep throat is caused by streptococcal (strep) bacteria. There are many different strains of strep bacteria, some of which cause more serious illness than others. The type of strep that most commonly infects the throat is called group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus (GABS). Other types that can sometimes infect the throat are groups C and G strep bacteria.
Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the tissues in the back of the throat and the tonsils. The tissues become irritated and inflamed, causing a sudden, severe sore throat.
What causes strep throat?
Strep throat is caused by streptococcal (strep) bacteria. There are many different strains of strep bacteria, some of which cause more serious illness than others. The type of strep that most commonly infects the throat is called group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus (GABS). Other types that can sometimes infect the throat are groups C and G strep bacteria.
Common symptoms of strep throat in children and adults include:
Severe and sudden sore throat without coughing, sneezing, or other coldlike symptoms.
Pain or difficulty with swallowing.
Fever over 101 °F(38.3 °C); lower fevers may indicate a viral infection and not strep.
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
White or yellow spots or coating on the throat and tonsils.
Bright red throat or dark red spots on the roof of the mouth at the back near the throat.
Swollen tonsils, although this symptom may also be caused by a viral infection.
Call 911 or other emergency services immediately if a severe sore throat (pain being an 8 or 9 on a scale of 1 to 10) occurs along with the following symptoms, especially in a small child:
Fever of 101 °F(38.3 °C) or more
Drooling
Difficulty breathing
Head pushed forward to breathe
Call your health professional today if you have:
A severe sore throat and fever over 101 °F(38.3 °C) that lasts longer than 1 to 2 days.
A severe sore throat 2 to 5 days after you know you have been exposed to someone with strep.
A sore throat that is not part of a cold that lasts longer than 2 to 3 days despite home treatment.
A red rash that feels like sandpaper appears. This may indicate scarlet fever.
Difficulty sleeping because your throat is blocked by swollen tonsils or adenoids.
2006-07-06 11:30:07
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answer #1
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answered by purple 6
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According to Web MD, "Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the tissues in the back of the throat and the tonsils. The tissues become irritated and inflamed, causing a sudden, severe sore throat. Strep throat is caused by streptococcal (strep) bacteria. There are many different strains of strep bacteria, some of which cause more serious illness than others. The type of strep that most commonly infects the throat is called group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus (GABS). Other types that can sometimes infect the throat are groups C and G strep bacteria."
As for tonsils:
"The size of a child's tonsils is not a risk factor for throat infections. Children or adults who have had their tonsils removed can still get strep throat."
2006-07-06 11:28:04
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answer #2
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answered by Anonymous
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Strep throat is a bacterial infection. You need to see a doctor and have him prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection. Tonsillitis is a completely different issue which is usually chronic--meaning it can recur over time.
Go see a doctor!!!!
2006-07-06 11:32:09
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answer #3
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answered by freedomnow1950 5
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