Strep throat

Strep throat

DEFINITION
Strep Throat is an infection of the pharynx and tonsils caused
by group A streptococcus bacteria.
DESCRIPTION
Strep Throat is more common in children than in adults. This
disease is spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes
contaminated droplets into the air, which another person inhales. A
person may also become infected from touching these secretions and
then touching his/her mouth or nose. Direct contact is the most
common method of disease transmission. Household items such as
plates, cups or toys do not play a major role. It is possible to be
a carrier of group A streptococcus bacteria without developing
symptoms. A carrier is less contagious than a person experiencing
acute symptoms of Strep Throat.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
  • Sore throat.
  • fever – adults.
  • Headache.
  • Swollen lymph glands in the neck.
  • Nausea and vomiting. 
  • Runny nose is common in children less than 4 years old.
  • The tonsils may have pus on the surface.
     
The symptoms usually begin abruptly a few days after exposure
to the streptococcus organism. If not medically treated, Strep
Throat may progress to a condition known as scarlet fever. This
disease is characterised by a bright red, rough textured rash
spread all over the body. Other complications which may develop if
Strep Throat is untreated include otitis media (middle ear
infection), sinusitis, rheumatic fever and kidney disease.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
As with all conditions your Doctor should be consulted.
Treatment usually involves a course of antibiotics. A child with
Strep Throat may return to school or child care after he/she has
been on antibiotic therapy, and without a fever, for at least 24
hours.
DIET HINTS
  • Follow the diet instructions from your Doctor.
  • If the patient is refusing to eat, it is advisable to avoid
    solid foods for a few days unless the person requires it for
    medical reasons e.g. diabetes. It is common for an infection and a
    sore throat to contribute to a loss of appetite in people with
    Strep Throat.
  • It is important to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
    Fresh, filtered water is best, however, if a child is refusing to
    drink, try giving him/her an ice block made from fruit juice and
    water or an icy pole. The ice helps to numb the painful sore throat
    while providing a source of fluid.
  • If the patient has an appetite and is able to tolerate solid
    foods it is best to serve him/her soft, bland foods, such as cooked
    vegetables and soups, which will not irritate the throat. Avoid
    very salty, sugary and spicy foods and foods which are acidic such
    as tomatoes, lemons, grapefruit and oranges as these may irritate
    the lining of the throat.
VITAMINS/MINERALS/HERBS
Supplements may only be of value if dietary intake is
inadequate. 
  • Vitamin A, vitamin C, beta carotene and vitamin E are
    associated with healthy immune function. 
  • Zinc is also an important element of the immune process and is
    thought to work in conjunction with many of the above
    vitamins.
  • Echinacea, garlic, propolis and golden seal are reputed to have
    anti-bacterial properties, along with immune enhancing
    activity.
  • Thyme, liquorice, marshmallow and sage teas may have a soothing
    effect on a Sore Throat.
PHARMACIST’S ADVICE
Ask your Pharmacist for advice.
  1. Follow the Diet Hints.
  2. Your Pharmacist can answer any queries you may have regarding
    your prescribed medication.
  3. It is very important to take the correct dosage of your
    prescribed medication at the times recommended by your Doctor. This
    will help to prevent the development of complications such as
    scarlet fever and rheumatic disease.
  4. Try a warm saline solution gargle to relieve the pain of a sore
    throat. Ask your Doctor or Pharmacist for advice.
  5. Paracetamol is recommended for relief of pain and fever. Your
    Pharmacist can give you the correct dosage advice.
  6. While a person is highly infectious (prior to medication) it is
    advisable to observe careful hygiene practices. Wash hands
    thoroughly and be sure to keep a child with Strep Throat at home
    for the recommended period of time to avoid infecting other
    children. 
  7. If the diet is inadequate, consider some nutritional
    supplements. Acidophilus (formulated for children) may help to
    restore normal gut flora and digestion after a course of
    antibiotics. Lozenges containing vitamin C and zinc may help to
    boost the immune response. 
  8. Medicated lozenges from your Pharmacy have mild antibacterial
    properties and may be soothing for a sore throat.