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Strep throat - Overview

Alternative Names

Pharyngitis - streptococcal; Streptococcal pharyngitis

Definition of Strep throat:

Strep throat is caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria. It is the most common bacterial infection of the throat.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Strep throat is most common in children between the ages of 5 and 15, although it can happen in younger children and adults. Children younger than 3 can get strep infections, but these usually don't affect the throat.

Strep throat is most common in the late fall, winter, and early spring. The infection is spread by person-to-person contact with nasal secretions or saliva, often among family or household members.

People with strep throat get sick 2 – 5 days after they are exposed. The illness usually begins suddenly. The fever often is highest on the second day. Many people also have sore throat, headache, stomach ache, nausea, or chills.

Strep throat may be very mild, with only a few of these symptoms, or it may be severe. There are many strains of strep. Some strains can lead to a scarlet fever rash. This rash is thought to be an allergic reaction to toxins made by the strep germ. On rare occasions, strep throat can lead to rheumatic fever if it is not treated. Strep throat may also cause a rare kidney complication.

  • Reviewed last on: 3/14/2009
  • Linda Vorvick, MD, Family Physician, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

This article uses information by permission from Alan Greene, M.D., © Greene Ink, Inc.

Alcaide ML, Bisno AL. Pharyngitis and epiglottitis. Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2007;21:449-469.

Del Mar C, Glasziou PP, Spinks A. Antibiotics for sore throat. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2006 Oct 18;(4):CD000023.

Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement. Health care guideline: Diagnosis and treatment of respiratory illness in children and adults. February 2008. Acessed November 9, 2008.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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