Strep throat is a common bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria. It affects the throat and tonsils, leading to a sore throat. Recognizing its symptoms is important for timely treatment and to prevent complications.
Common Visual Signs of Strep Throat
Several visual indicators can suggest strep throat. The tonsils often appear red and swollen. White patches, streaks of pus, or distinct spots may also be observed on the tonsils and the back of the throat. These white areas are clusters of pus, formed from dead bacteria, white blood cells, and tissue debris accumulating due to the immune response.
Tiny red spots, known as petechiae, may be visible on the soft or hard palate (the roof of the mouth). These pinpoint spots result from small capillaries bursting under the skin and are a less common sign of strep throat. A fine, sandpaper-like rash, known as scarlet fever, can also develop on the body, often starting on the neck and chest before spreading. This rash might feel rough to the touch and can appear red or pink on lighter skin tones, or as a different texture on darker skin.
Other Symptoms to Watch For
Beyond visual signs, strep throat presents with several non-visual symptoms. A sore throat appears suddenly, often making swallowing painful. This discomfort can range from a mild scratchiness to severe pain, making eating or drinking difficult.
A fever is a common accompaniment, often appearing quickly and sometimes reaching its peak on the second day of infection. Headaches, nausea, vomiting, or stomach ache are also frequently reported, particularly in children. Body aches and swollen, tender lymph nodes in the neck are additional indicators, as these nodes enlarge in response to the body’s immune fight against the infection.
How Strep Differs from a Viral Sore Throat
Differentiating strep throat from viral infections, such as the common cold or flu, is important because treatment approaches vary. Strep throat does not include cold-like symptoms such as a cough, runny nose, sneezing, or hoarseness. The absence of these upper respiratory symptoms is a characteristic that helps distinguish strep from a viral infection.
Symptoms of strep throat appear suddenly, often within one to three days of exposure, rather than gradually building over several days as viral infections might. Visual signs, such as white patches or streaks on the tonsils and petechiae on the palate, are indicative of a bacterial strep infection. Conversely, viral sore throats are often accompanied by a cough, congestion, and runny nose.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seeking medical attention is advisable if strep throat is suspected, as it requires medical diagnosis and antibiotic treatment. If a sore throat is severe, sudden in onset, and accompanied by a high fever, a medical evaluation is warranted. This is particularly true if symptoms do not improve within 48 hours or if they worsen.
Difficulty swallowing or breathing signals a need for prompt medical attention, as these can indicate more serious complications. The development of a rash, such as scarlet fever, alongside other symptoms also warrants a doctor’s visit. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic treatment are important to prevent complications, including rheumatic fever or kidney inflammation.