Strep throat, a common bacterial infection caused by Group A Streptococcus, is primarily known for causing a sore throat. However, it can also lead to other symptoms, including stomach pain. This is particularly true for children, who may experience gastrointestinal discomfort as a significant part of their illness.
Why Strep Throat Can Cause Stomach Pain
Stomach pain associated with strep throat arises from several bodily responses to the bacterial infection. One common reason is the swallowing of infected mucus and pus from the throat. This material can irritate the lining of the digestive tract, leading to abdominal discomfort, nausea, and sometimes vomiting.
The body’s immune system also plays a role through a systemic inflammatory response to the Group A Streptococcus bacteria. This generalized inflammation can extend beyond the throat and affect the abdominal area, contributing to the feeling of pain.
Another cause of abdominal pain is the swelling of lymph nodes located in the abdomen, a condition known as mesenteric lymphadenitis. Lymph nodes are part of the immune system and swell as they filter out harmful bacteria. When these specific lymph nodes become inflamed, they can cause pain that might be mistaken for other abdominal conditions, such as appendicitis.
Stomach pain, along with nausea and vomiting, is a more frequent presentation of strep throat in younger children compared to adults. While adults typically experience the classic sore throat, children often show these gastrointestinal symptoms, sometimes even as the first signs of the infection.
Other Common Strep Throat Symptoms and When to Seek Medical Care
Beyond stomach pain, strep throat typically presents with a sudden and severe sore throat, often making swallowing painful. A fever is also common, which can appear rapidly and sometimes reach its highest point on the second day of infection. Other common indicators include chills, headaches, and a general loss of appetite.
Upon inspection, the tonsils may appear red and swollen, sometimes displaying white patches or streaks of pus. Swollen and tender lymph nodes in the neck are also a common physical sign. In some cases, a red, sandpaper-like rash, known as scarlet fever, can develop, starting on the neck and chest and spreading across the body. Unlike viral infections that cause most sore throats, strep throat typically does not involve a cough or runny nose.
It is advisable to consult a doctor if a sore throat persists for more than 48 hours, is accompanied by a high fever, or if a rash appears. Difficulty breathing or swallowing also warrants immediate medical attention. A healthcare provider can diagnose strep throat with a rapid strep test or a throat culture, which involves swabbing the back of the throat to detect the bacteria.
If diagnosed, strep throat is treated with antibiotics, such as penicillin or amoxicillin, typically for a 10-day course. It is important to complete the entire course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve, to fully eliminate the bacteria and prevent potential complications.
Understanding Potential Complications
If strep throat is left untreated, the bacteria can spread, leading to several serious, though rare, complications throughout the body. One such complication is Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF), an autoimmune disease that can affect the heart, joints, brain, and skin. This condition typically develops two to four weeks after the initial strep infection and can cause permanent damage to heart valves.
Another potential complication is Post-Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis (PSGN), which involves inflammation of the kidneys. This kidney disorder can manifest one to two weeks after a throat infection and may cause symptoms such as swelling, dark urine, and sometimes abdominal pain due to kidney involvement. While PSGN often resolves on its own, it can be serious.
Timely antibiotic treatment of strep throat is highly effective in preventing these severe complications. Taking the full course of prescribed medication helps to eradicate the Group A Streptococcus bacteria.