Strep throat is a common bacterial infection affecting the throat and tonsils. It is caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria, also referred to as Streptococcus pyogenes. Symptoms include a sudden and painful sore throat, fever, and swollen tonsils. White patches or streaks of pus may appear on the tonsils, and tiny red spots can develop on the roof of the mouth. Swollen, tender lymph nodes in the neck, headache, and sometimes nausea or vomiting, especially in younger children, are also common.
Does Strep Throat Resolve on Its Own?
While strep throat symptoms might lessen over time, the bacterial infection itself does not reliably resolve without medical intervention. Strep throat is an exception among bacterial infections due to significant health risks. The bacteria can persist in the body even after symptoms improve, creating a potential for serious complications. Relying on self-cure is not recommended.
Risks of Untreated Strep Throat
Leaving strep throat untreated can lead to severe health complications as the bacteria may spread to other parts of the body. Acute rheumatic fever is a serious inflammatory condition that can affect the heart, joints, skin, and nervous system. This autoimmune response occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues after fighting the strep infection, potentially leading to permanent heart damage.
Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN) is an inflammatory kidney disease. PSGN can develop one to two weeks after an untreated strep throat infection, causing the small blood vessels in the kidneys to become inflamed and impairing their ability to filter blood. Symptoms can include dark, reddish-brown urine, swelling, and high blood pressure.
A peritonsillar abscess, a pus-filled pocket near a tonsil, can also result from untreated strep throat. This condition can cause severe pain, difficulty swallowing, and may even obstruct breathing if it grows large enough. Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) is a condition in which children may experience a sudden onset or worsening of obsessive-compulsive disorder or tic disorders following a strep infection. This is thought to be an autoimmune response where antibodies produced to fight the strep bacteria mistakenly attack healthy brain tissue.
The Importance of Timely Treatment
Early diagnosis and treatment of strep throat are important to prevent the infection from escalating and to avoid serious complications. Diagnosis typically involves a rapid strep test, which can detect the bacteria in minutes from a throat swab. If the rapid test is negative but strep is still suspected, a throat culture may be performed, with results available in one to two days.
Antibiotics are the standard treatment for confirmed strep throat, with penicillin and amoxicillin being commonly prescribed. These medications work by eradicating the Group A Streptococcus bacteria, alleviating symptoms, and reducing the risk of spreading the infection to others. Completing the full 10-day course of antibiotics is important even if symptoms improve. This ensures all bacteria are eliminated and prevents serious issues like rheumatic fever and other complications. Patients usually start to feel better within a day or two of beginning antibiotic treatment.