STREP THROAT

    STREP THROAT
strep throat is a bacterial infection that can make one's throat feel sore and scratchy.strep throat accounts for only a small portion of sore throat.when not treated,strep throat can cause complications,such as kidney inflammation or rheumatic fever.Rheumatic fever can lead to painful and inflamed joints,a specific type of rash,or heart valve damage.
strep throat is most common in children,but it affects people of all ages.if you or your child has signs or symptoms of strep throat,see the doctor for prompt testing and treatment.           
 

                                                SYMPTOMS

1. Throat pain that usually comes on quickly.
2. Painful swallowing.
3. Red,swollen tonsils sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus.
4. Fever.
5. Headache.
6. Rash.
7.Swollen,tender lymph nodes in your neck.
8. Tiny red spots on the area at the back of the roof of the mouth (soft or hardplate).
9. Nausea or vomiting.
10.Body aches.
   
it is possible for one to have many of these signs and symptoms but not have strep throat.The cause of these signs and symptoms could be a viral infection or some other illness.That is why your doctor generally tests specifically for strep throat .it is possible for one to have strep throat with no symptoms.

                              WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR

- When you have a sore throat accompanied by tender,swollen lymph gland.
-A sore throat that lasts longer than 48 hours.
-A fever.
-A sore throat accompanied by a rash.
-Problems with breathing and swallowing.

                                             CAUSES
The cause of strep throat is a bacteria known as STREPTOCOCCUS  pyogenes,streptococcus bacteria are highly contagious.They can spread through  airborne droplets when someone with the infection coughs or sneezes,or through shared food or drinks ,it can also be picked from a doorknob or other surface and transfer them to the mouth ,nose or eyes.

                                          RISK FACTORS
-YOUNG AGE ;it occurs mostly in children .
-TIME OF YEAR;Although strep throat can occur anytime,it tends to circulate in winter and early spring .The bacteria flourish wherever groups of people are in close contact.

                                            COMPLICATIONS
Even though,strep throat is not dangerous,it can lead to serious complications.Antibiotic treatment reduces the risk.

                                       SPREAD OF INFECTION
When the bacteria spreads it may cause infection;
- Tonsils.
- Sinuses.
- Skin.
- Blood.
- Middle ear.
     

                             INFLAMMATORY REACTIONS
Strep may lead to inflammatory illness,including;
- Scarlet fever,a streptococcal infection characterized by a prominent rash.
- Inflammation of the kidney (poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis)
- Rheumatic fever, a serious inflammatory condition that can affect the heart,joints nervous system and skin
- Poststreptococcal reactive arthritis a condition that causes inflammation of the joints.

                                   PREVENTION
To avoid strep infection;
- Clean your hands :- the best way to prevent all kinds of infections is by cleaning the hand properly with soap and water regularly or usage of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

-Cover your mouth :- make sure to cover your mouth during coughing or sneezing.

-Sharing of personal items:- sharing of kitchen utensils should be avoided and dishes should be washed in hot ,soapy water or in a dish washer.

                                                                                                                                                 wikipedia.
                                                                                                                 BABA,AUGUSTINA JOHN