Chronic Strep Throat in Adults

Strep throat is a bacterial infection that can make a person's throat feel scratchy and sore. This disease can affect people of all ages. Patients should see a doctor if they experience any symptoms of strep throat.

Symptoms

• According to the Mayo Clinic, strep throat patients may have difficulty swallowing, tonsils that are swollen and/or small red spots on the roof of the mouth. Individuals may experience swollen lymph nodes in the neck, headaches and/or fever.

Causes

• Strep throat is caused by highly contagious streptococcal bacteria and is often spread through the air after a patient sneezes or coughs. The bacteria may also be spread by touching objects that an infected person has touched such as a doorknob, bathroom object or kitchen utensil.

Complications

• Untreated cases of strep throat may cause sinus infections, ear infections or tonsillitis. Rheumatic fever, inflamed kidneys and scarlet fever can also develop in people who have strep throat.

Diagnosis

• A doctor can diagnose strep throat after reviewing a patient's symptoms and conducting a physical examination. Tests such as a throat culture, where a sterile swab is rubbed on the back of the throat and tonsils to obtain a sample of a patient's throat secretions which will be analyzed in a laboratory to identify bacteria, may also be performed

Treatments

• Strep throat is treated with antibiotics that kill the bacteria that cause the disease. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may also be used to reduce fever and/or relieve throat pain.