Strep throat, a bacterial infection caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria, typically does not present with a prominent cough. A cough usually signals a different type of illness, most often a viral infection. Understanding strep throat’s distinct characteristics helps differentiate it from other conditions causing a sore throat and cough.
Typical Strep Throat Symptoms
Strep throat often manifests with a sudden and intense sore throat that makes swallowing painful. The tonsils may appear red and swollen, sometimes displaying white patches or streaks of pus. Tiny red spots, known as petechiae, can also be observed on the roof of the mouth.
People with strep throat commonly experience a fever. Other symptoms can include headache, stomachache, nausea, or vomiting, particularly in younger children. Body aches and swollen, tender lymph nodes in the neck are also frequently reported.
A distinguishing feature of strep throat is the typical absence or mildness of cough, runny nose, or nasal congestion. If these respiratory symptoms are prominent, it often suggests a viral cause rather than a bacterial infection.
Common Causes of Cough with a Sore Throat
A sore throat accompanied by a cough is frequently a sign of a viral infection, such as the common cold, influenza (flu), or bronchitis. These respiratory viruses typically cause irritation and inflammation in the airways, leading to a cough that can be dry or produce mucus. Other symptoms often seen with these viral illnesses include a runny nose, sneezing, and general body aches.
Allergies can also cause a cough and sore throat, particularly due to postnasal drip. When allergens irritate the nasal passages, excess mucus can drain down the back of the throat, causing a tickling sensation and prompting a cough. Allergy-related coughs are often accompanied by other symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and nasal congestion, and they are not contagious. Environmental irritants, such as smoke or dust, may similarly trigger a cough and throat discomfort.
Seeking Medical Advice
Consulting a healthcare professional is advisable if strep throat is suspected, especially with symptoms such as a severe sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or a persistent fever. A timely diagnosis is important, often involving a rapid strep test or a throat culture. Early treatment with antibiotics can help alleviate symptoms, reduce the duration of contagiousness, and prevent potential complications.
Untreated strep throat can lead to more severe health issues, including rheumatic fever, which may affect the heart, joints, and brain. Other complications can include kidney inflammation, abscesses around the tonsils, or ear and sinus infections. Seeking medical attention is also important for a cough that is severe, lasts longer than three weeks, or is accompanied by difficulty breathing, chest pain, or a high fever.