Strep throat is a common bacterial infection affecting the throat and tonsils. While it causes uncomfortable symptoms, untreated infections can lead to serious complications. This article explores the consequences of not receiving antibiotics for strep throat.
Understanding Strep Throat
Strep throat, medically known as streptococcal pharyngitis, is an infection caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes, also referred to as Group A Streptococcus (GAS). This highly contagious bacterium primarily spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Common symptoms include a sore throat, fever, and red, swollen tonsils. White patches or streaks of pus may also be visible on the tonsils, and tiny red spots, called petechiae, might appear on the soft or hard palate. Swollen, tender lymph nodes in the neck are also common.
Immediate Impact of Skipping Antibiotics
Not treating strep throat with antibiotics allows the infection to worsen immediate symptoms. Individuals may experience prolonged and more severe sore throat, persistent fever, and increased difficulty swallowing. This extended illness also means the infected person remains contagious longer, increasing the risk of spreading the bacteria to others.
The bacteria can also spread to nearby tissues, leading to localized complications. A peritonsillar abscess, a collection of pus behind the tonsil, can cause intense pain, difficulty swallowing, and a muffled voice, sometimes requiring surgical drainage. Another localized complication is a retropharyngeal abscess, a collection of pus deep in the tissues at the back of the throat, potentially leading to airway obstruction.
Grave Systemic Complications
Beyond immediate discomfort, untreated strep throat carries the risk of severe, systemic complications impacting various organs. These complications arise from the body’s immune response to the infection, not direct bacterial invasion.
Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF) is a serious inflammatory disease that can affect the heart, joints, brain, and skin. ARF can cause permanent damage to heart valves, known as rheumatic heart disease. Joint pain, swelling, involuntary movements (Sydenham’s chorea), and certain skin rashes can also manifest.
Another potential complication is Post-Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis (PSGN), a kidney disorder. This condition involves inflammation of the kidneys’ tiny filtering units, called glomeruli. Symptoms include dark urine, swelling (edema) in the face, hands, and feet, and elevated blood pressure. While most individuals recover fully, long-term kidney damage can occur.
Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) are another group of conditions linked to strep infections. In children with PANDAS, a sudden onset or worsening of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and/or tic disorders can occur after a strep infection. This is thought to involve an autoimmune response where antibodies mistakenly attack parts of the brain.
Why Prompt Treatment Matters
Timely diagnosis and antibiotic treatment for strep throat are important for several reasons. Antibiotics shorten symptom duration, reduce severity, and significantly decrease the contagious period. Most importantly, prompt antibiotic therapy prevents severe systemic complications like acute rheumatic fever and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis. Seeking medical attention if strep throat is suspected ensures proper diagnosis and treatment, safeguarding against these serious health issues.