Bacterial Throat Infection

According to the Mayo Clinic, most sore throats are caused by viruses, but in some cases bacterial infections may be a cause a sore throat. The National Institutes of Health say strep throat is the most common type of bacterial throat infection.

Effects

• Effects of a bacterial throat infection such as strep throat include severe throat pain, trouble swallowing, fever, headache and red spots inside the mouth near the back portion of the mouth's roof. White patches may be visible on the tonsils. Some people may develop a rash or upset stomach. The lymph nodes in the neck may swell and be tender.

Transmission

• Bacterial throat infections are transmitted through the air or through contact with infected people or surfaces such as utensils, doorknobs or objects in bathrooms.

Considerations

• If these infections are not treated properly, they may lead to other medical problems such sinus infections, ear infections, kidney inflammation and rheumatic fever.

Diagnosis

• A swab test can diagnose a bacterial throat infection. During this procedure, a swab is inserted into the back of the throat then swept across the infected area to obtain a sample of secretions for analysis.

Treatments

• Doctors prescribe antibiotics such as Amoxil, Biaxin or Zithromax to treat bacterial throat infections. You can use over-the-counter medications for fever and throat pain.