Severe Throat Infection

Severe throat infection, also known as strep throat, is caused by a bacterial infection. It is important to recognize the symptoms and gain the proper treatment for this condition so that it does not lead to more serious complications.

Causes

• Strep throat is extremely contagious and can be passed easily from person to person. It is caused by a bacterial infection known as Streptococcal.

Symptoms

• Some of the most common symptoms of strep throat are sore throat, swollen tonsils, fever, rash, headache and difficulty swallowing.

Treatment

• Antibiotics and pain relievers are the most common treatment for strep throat. The antibiotics rid the body of infection while the pain relievers reduce the pain caused by the infection.

Risks

• If strep throat is not treated, it can cause other serious complications, such as kidney inflammation and rheumatoid fever. These conditions are much more serious and are more difficult to treat.

Prevention/Solution

• While not always preventable, strep throat can be avoided by washing one's hands and keeping surfaces that have been contaminated clean.