Strep throat is a common bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils, caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria (Streptococcus pyogenes). This contagious infection causes various symptoms. While often associated with a painful sore throat, fever is a frequent but not guaranteed indicator.
Fever and Strep Throat
Fever is a common strep throat symptom, often appearing suddenly and sometimes peaking on the second day. However, it is not always present. Some individuals, particularly adults, may experience strep throat without an elevated body temperature.
The absence of fever does not rule out strep throat. The infection might be in its early stages, or an individual’s immune system may not trigger a significant fever. Medications can also suppress a fever. Strep throat can occur with only a mild fever or none at all.
Other Common Strep Throat Symptoms
Since fever is not always present, recognizing other common symptoms is important. A sudden, severe sore throat is a primary indicator, often with pain when swallowing. Tonsils may appear red and swollen, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus.
Tiny red spots (petechiae) on the palate can also be observed. Other symptoms include headache, body aches, chills, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. Nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain are common in younger children.
Confirming a Strep Throat Diagnosis
Self-diagnosis based solely on symptoms, with or without fever, can be unreliable. Many viral illnesses, like the common cold or flu, present with similar symptoms, making differentiation challenging. A medical professional performs a physical examination, including looking at the throat.
To confirm strep throat, a rapid strep test is performed by swabbing the back of the throat. This test provides quick results, often within minutes, indicating Group A Streptococcus bacteria. If the rapid test is negative but strep throat is suspected, a throat culture may be sent for confirmation, as it can detect infections missed by the rapid test.
Potential Complications of Untreated Strep
Accurate diagnosis and treatment of strep throat prevent complications. If untreated, the bacteria can lead to serious health issues. One complication is rheumatic fever, an inflammatory condition affecting the heart, joints, brain, and skin. This condition can cause permanent damage to heart valves.
Another complication is post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN), which involves inflammation of the kidney’s filtering units. PSGN can develop after a strep infection and can lead to kidney issues. Other complications include peritonsillar abscesses (pockets of pus around the tonsils) and the spread of infection to the ears or sinuses.