KOMPAS.com – Strep throat is often a disease that is complained of by the people of Indonesia in the changing seasons.
As the name suggests, strep throat is a condition where the throat gets inflamed due to infection.
In medical terms, this disease is called pharyngitis which means inflammation in the pharynx or back of the throat.
Also read: 7 Causes of Sore Throat and How to Overcome It
The cause of the infection can be viruses or bacteria. Therefore, to get the right treatment we need to know in advance the cause of strep throat.
Cause
The most common cause of strep throat is a virus. But, in certain cases, strep throat can also be caused by bacteria.
Virus infection
Summarize from Healthline, some viruses that can cause pharyngitis include:
- Colds (cold coughs)
- Influenza
- Mononukleosis
- Measles
- Chicken pox
- Whooping cough
- Croup (child respiratory infection)
In strep throat due to viral infection, no antibiotics are given. In addition, treatment is only needed to help relieve symptoms.
Also read: Sore Throat and Corona Virus Symptoms
Bacterial infection
Some bacteria can cause inflammation of the throat. One of the most common causes of this condition is Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A streptococcus).
Quoted from Medical News TodayOther bacterial infections that can cause strep throat include:
- Group C and G streptococcus
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae
For cases of strep throat due to bacterial infection, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics for treatment.
Another cause
According to Mayo ClinicIn addition to viral and bacterial infections, strep throat can also be caused by other things such as:
- Allergy
- Irritation
- Stiff muscle
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Dry air
- Tumor
Risk Factors
In addition to the above reasons, there are several factors that can increase a person’s risk of getting strep throat.
Also read: Recognizing the Symptoms of Sore Throat and How to Prevent it
1. Age
Children and adolescents are more likely to experience throat collapses.
In children ages 3 to 15 years, strep throat is usually associated with bacterial infection.
2. Exposure to tobacco smoke
Being an active or passive smoker increases the risk of inflammation of the throat. That’s because cigarette smoke can irritate the throat.
In addition, smoking also increases the risk of mouth, throat and vocal cords.
3. Allergy
Allergic reactions usually increase the risk of strep throat. Especially if allergies that occur prolonged.
4. Chemical irritation
Air particles from fossil fuel extracts and household chemicals can also cause throat irritation.
5. Chronic sinusitis infection
Drying the nose can irritate the throat and spread infection.
6. Weak Immune
When the immune system or immune system weakens, viruses or bacteria easily infect.
Also read: 6 Simple Ways to Treat Home-style Throat Inflammation
The symptoms
The symptoms that accompany strep throat vary depending on the cause.
For flu or cold infections, for example, in addition to pain in the throat, you may experience a dry, itchy, runny, or cold throat.
However, some common symptoms that occur in strep throat include:
- Hoarseness
- The sound is gone
- Runny nose
- Tonsils are red and swollen
- Rash
- Fever
- Stomach ache
- Throw up
- Neck swollen
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
Care
Summarize from Health direct, there is no way to cure strep throat due to a virus. Even so, you can treat the symptoms by relieving pain.
Usually, strep throat due to a virus will disappear in 5 to 7 days.
Also read: Colds and Dry Throat, Covid-19 Symptoms or Effects of Weather?
Some treatments that you can do at home to relieve the symptoms of strep throat include:
- Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration
- Gargle with warm salt water
- Use an air conditioner
- Get plenty of rest
Whereas in strep throat due to bacterial infection, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics for you.
Remember, take out the antibiotics that are prescribed to prevent the infection from returning or worsening.
Prevents sore throat
The saying goes, it’s better to prevent than cure. This also applies to cases of strep throat.
You can prevent this disease from stopping by the body.
Here are some ways you can do to prevent strep throat, summarized from the Mayo Clinic:
- Do not smoke and avoid cigarette smoke
- Limiting alcohol and caffeine consumption
- Drink plenty of water
- Avoid spicy foods
- Increase endurance
- Wash your hands diligently
- Avoid people who have colds or coughs.
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