What is strep throat?

Strep throat is an infection due to the bacteria streptococcus. It's a contagious infection, and once you've caught it you might experience a painful, itchy, and irritating feeling in your throat. Your tonsils may be swollen and extremely red in color. And instead of cold symptoms that typically accompany a sore throat, you may also have a fever, rash, chills, headache, and an upset stomach. Some children with strep throat may also experience vomiting. If you suspect strep throat, you will want to see your doctor to receive a course of antibiotics to treat the infection.

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Strep throat is an infection due to the bacteria streptococcus. It's a contagious infection, and once you've caught it you might experience a painful, itchy, and irritating feeling in your throat. Your tonsils may be swollen and extremely red in... More

Dr. Margaret Payne answered:

Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat caused by the bacteria Group A Streptococcus. Most people with strep throat are very ill with any of the following symptoms: high fever, headache, muscle aches, stomach ache or vomiting. The lymph nodes, often referred to as "glands", in the neck often swell with strep throat causing neck pain and even referred ear pain. Some people will present without throat pain but will have fever and headache. Symptoms vary widely depending on the patient. The only way to diagnose strep is by doing a strep test or culture. Strep throat cannot be diagnosed by exam alone.

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More Related Answers from Dr. Margaret Payne

Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat caused by the bacteria Group A Streptococcus. Most people with strep throat are very ill with any of the following symptoms: high fever, headache, muscle aches, stomach ache... More

Dr. James Fortenberry of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta answered:

Strep throat is an infection caused by Strep bacteria (germ). It is usually found through a throat culture or “quick test for Strep”. If untreated, the Strep germ in the throat can cause heart or kidney problems.

If your child has Strep, his doctor will prescribe an antibiotic. You must give your child the antibiotic for the full time prescribed, even if your child seems well. This helps to make sure that all of the Strep germs are killed.

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More Related Answers from Children's Healthcare of Atlanta

Strep throat is an infection caused by Strep bacteria (germ). It is usually found through a throat culture or “quick test for Strep”. If untreated, the Strep germ in the throat can cause heart or kidney problems. If your child has Strep,... More

Dr. Diana Blythe of Pediatric Associates answered:

Strep throat is a throat infection caused by bacteria, called streptococcus pyogenes. Strep pyogenes, or Group A strep, causes a sore throat and if not treated can lead to scarlet fever or rheumatic heart disease. If your child has a sore throat, please get them checked to make sure it is not strep throat.

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More Related Answers from Pediatric Associates

Strep throat is a throat infection caused by bacteria, called streptococcus pyogenes. Strep pyogenes, or Group A strep, causes a sore throat and if not treated can lead to scarlet fever or rheumatic heart disease. If your child has a sore throat,... More

RealAge answered:

Strep throat is a sore throat caused by streptococcal bacteria. It is more common in children ages four to 11 and is less common in older children and adults. Strep throat is diagnosed by a throat culture taken at a physician's office. The doctor will swab the back of your throat to make the culture. Symptoms of strep throat include a sore throat accompanied by a fever (over 101°F), a white or yellow coating of the tonsils and/or swollen glands in the neck. A strep throat should be treated with antibiotics to prevent rheumatic fever.

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