Flores AR, Caserta MT. Pharyngitis. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 59. Show
Harris AM, Hicks LA, Qaseem A; High Value Care Task Force of the American College of Physicians and for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Appropriate antibiotic use for acute respiratory tract infection in adults: advice for high-value care from the American College of Physicians and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Ann Intern Med. 2016;164(6):425-434. PMID: 26785402www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26785402/. Shulman ST, Bisno AL, Clegg HW, et al. Clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis and management of group A streptococcal pharyngitis: 2012 update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Clin Infect Dis. 2012;55(10):e86-e102. PMID: 22965026www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22965026/. Tanz RR. Acute pharyngitis. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 409. van Driel ML, De Sutter AI, Habraken H, Thorning S, Christiaens T. Different antibiotic treatments for group A streptococcal pharyngitis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;9:CD004406. PMID: 27614728www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27614728/. Last reviewed on: 7/19/2021 Reviewed by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. Though strep throat (streptococcus) is often very painful and highly contagious, it doesn’t often require a trip to the emergency room. However, in some rare cases, patients with extreme symptoms should seek emergency medical attention for proper care. Keep reading to learn when you should visit our team at Quality Care ER for strep throat treatment. Emergency Signs of Strep ThroatMost patients with strep throat will notice that their lymph nodes are swollen and that the back of their throat has white pus, causing them to fear that something is wrong. While it’s true that if you have an extremely sore throat and a fever you should get tested for strep, not every case requires a trip to the ER. What are the Symptoms of Strep Throat?In general, if your sore throat lasts longer than a few days and is accompanied by other serious symptoms, you should seek emergency care. Some emergency symptoms of strep throat include:
Limiting Your Chances of Getting SickStrep throat is a bacterial infection of the tonsils which is transmitted by direct contact with the mucus or sores of someone else with the illness. Whether you’re concerned with contracting strep throat, the flu, or another virus, the good news is that you can take steps to protect yourself and your family: Strep throat is a bacterial infection that can make your throat feel sore and scratchy. Strep throat accounts for only a small portion of sore throats. If untreated, 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 your doctor for prompt testing and treatment. Products & Services
SymptomsStrep throat infection Open pop-up dialog boxClose Strep throat infectionStrep throat infectionStrep throat usually causes throat pain and difficulty swallowing. This photo of strep throat shows inflammation and red spots, caused by the infection. Signs and symptoms of strep throat can include:
It's possible for you or your child 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's why your doctor generally tests specifically for strep throat. It's also possible for you to be exposed to a person who carries strep but shows no symptoms. When to see a doctorCall your doctor if you or your child has any of these signs and symptoms:
Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form. From Mayo Clinic to your inboxSign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. ErrorEmail field is required ErrorInclude a valid email address Learn more about Mayo Clinic’s use of data.To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. What happens if you don't go to the doctor for strep throat?If untreated, 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.
How do I know if I have strep throat without going to the doctor?Symptoms of strep throat include:. Pain when swallowing.. Fever of 101 degrees F and higher.. Red and swollen tonsils.. White patches on the tonsils or back of the throat.. Throat soreness without cough and cold symptoms.. Nausea and vomiting.. Swollen glands on the neck.. Ear infection.. Can strep throat go away on its own?Strep throat typically goes away in three to seven days with or without antibiotic treatment. However, if you don't take antibiotics, you can remain contagious for two to three weeks and are at a higher risk for complications, such as rheumatic fever.
Where should I go if I think I have strep throat?You should call your doctor if you or your child has any of the signs and symptoms of a sore throat. Your doctor may prescribe medications that will help cure strep throat, relieve its symptoms and prevent any complications. Visiting an emergency room is also ideal especially if you do not want to wait for a long time.
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