Strep Throat And Ear Infection

Dangers Of Having Strep Throat Left Untreated

Strep throat will not go away all by itself. If you leave it untreated, you might find yourself dealing with reoccurring strep throat for months on end.

The most common antibiotic for strep throat is amoxicillin. Antibiotics help to decrease how long youre infected, ease the symptoms, and also prevent the bacteria from spreading to others or worsening into something else.

If you fail to treat strep throat, you might end up suffering from:

Causes Of Strep Throat

According to a study, infections such as strep throat caused by Streptococcus pyogenes are highly contagious which is why it can spread from one individual to another in ways like airborne droplets, nasal discharge, hand or skin contact, contaminated food sources, contaminated wounds or lesions or through contaminated objects or surfaces.

The infection is prevalent during the winter season between the months of November to April.

Some of the methods to diagnose strep throat may include:

• Throat culture: To identify the type of infection .
• Rapid antigen test: To identify strep bacteria in the swab sample from the throat region.
• Antistreptolysin O titre tests: This test is suggested in case of suspected suppurative complications related to strep throat.

What Causes A Middle

The middle ear connects to the throat by a canal called the eustachiantube. This tube helps even out the pressure between the outer ear and theinner ear. A cold or allergy can irritate the tube or cause the area aroundit to swell. This can keep fluid from draining from the middle ear. Thefluid builds up behind the eardrum. Bacteria and viruses can grow in thisfluid. The bacteria and viruses cause the middle-ear infection.

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Integrated Ear Nose And Throat Of Lone Tree Colorado

A chronic sore throat is considered as any persistent throat irritation, itchiness, or pain that lasts for more than 3 months. While a sore throat is usually thought of as pain, even slight irritation or itchiness of the throat can cause a level of discomfort that may be described as sore.

Causes of a Chronic Sore Throat

The causes of a chronic sore throat may be due to an infection, chemical or mechanical injuries, or some other cause of persistent inflammation. Identifying the cause depends on the other signs and symptoms present, apart from a sore throat, as well as considering the patients medical history.

Other signs and symptoms that may accompany a chronic sore throat include:

• Changes in the voice, especially hoarseness
• Painful swallowing
• Chronic cough or constant clearing of the throat

Chronic Sore Throat Diagnosis

Diagnosing the underlying cause of a sore throat may require a neck x-ray, CT scan, or laryngoscopy.

Medical Conditions That Might Be Causing Signs and Symptoms

A childs sore throat may be due to strep throat, sinusitis, tonsillitis, or all three at different times. Here is a simple breakdown of the three.

Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils caused by any virus or bacteria. It can be acute or chronic. Infections that cause tonsillitis can travel and cause sinusitis.

Tonsils

Signs of Tonsillitis

• Runny nose with yellow, green or bloody mucus
• Ear pain and infection
• Pain and pressure around the sinuses

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Diagnosing Sore Throat And Ear Pain

Based on your symptoms, you may be able to start narrowing down the root of your pain. Symptoms for sore throat and ear pain include:

• A dry or scratchy feeling in the back of your throat
• Pain when you swallow or talk
• A hoarse voice
• Redness in the back of your throat
• White patches on your tonsils
• Swollen glands
• A popping sound in the ear
• Your ear feeling like its full
• Fluid draining from the ear

Once you have nailed down your issues, you may be able to pinpoint one of the following root causes.

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Essential Oil For Strep Throat

Essential oils are distilled from the leaves, bark, stems, and flowers of plants. They may help promote healing by killing germs and reducing inflammation.

The medical benefits of essential oils are controversial. However, studies show the following essential oils can be an effective alternative to over-the-counter medications for treating the symptoms of strep throat:

Diseases Caused By Group A Strep

Bacteria called group A Streptococcus can cause many different infections. These infections range from minor illnesses to very serious and deadly diseases. Learn more below about some of these infections, including symptoms, risk factors, treatment options, and how to prevent them.

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Sore Throats And Ear Infections In Children

Experts say that the anatomy and physiology of young children’s ears make them vulnerable to infection. The ear has three parts: the inner ear, the outer ear, and the middle ear. For infants and toddlers, the tube that leads from the nose to the middle ear, the Eustachian Tube, is different compared to an older child or an adult. This tube is horizontal, wider, and shorter in children. The shape of the Eustachian Tube in children makes it easier for germs to travel into the middle ear. When the tube is blocked, as is typical from the congestion of a cold or flu, the fluid that normally drains from the middle ear cannot exit. Bacteria or a virus can incubate in this build up, ultimately leading to an ear infection. The fluid that pushes on the eardrum is what causes ear pain. The younger a child is when he had his first ear infection, the more likely he will have repeated infections in the future. In general, more boys get ear infections than girls do.

Here are some symptoms to watch for in your children regarding sore throats and ear infections:

• Pain and tugging on the ears.
• Head shaking, especially when coupled with a fever.
• Problems sleeping .
• In addition, since sucking and swallowing are painful when a sore throat is present, your child may have trouble eating.
• In infants, sometimes irritability may be the only clue. Frequent crying and nasal discharge are also clues to look for when trying to diagnose a sore throat or ear infection in babies.

What Are Nasal Polyps

Tonsils aid the body in recognizing germs inside the mouth. This collection of lymph nodes are located on each side of the back of the throat, acting as one of the bodys defense mechanisms. They become inflamed or infected when they collect abnormal germs, causing Tonsillitis.

The bacteria that usually causes Tonsillitis is sometimes due to Streptococcus A . Strep Throat is an infection of the tissues inside the throat by Streptococcus bacteria, usually causing pain, discomfort, fever, and difficulty swallowing.

Interestingly enough, one of the results of having a bacterial infection with the tonsils or throat can also lead to ear infections. Ear infections are caused by bacteria in the middle ear, creating swelling or congestion of the nasal passages, Eustachian tubes, or the throat where fluid is trapped.

How are these three ailments related?

Sinus cavities and passages are all connected and work together. For instance, the Eustachian tubes connect each middle ear to the back of the throat behind the nasal passages. The tubes connecting to the throat will open and close to refresh air in the ear, drain secretions, and regulate air pressure. In children, these tubes are much more narrow and horizontal, making them more difficult to drain and easier to get clogged.

Should my child have a Tonsillectomy?

• Frequent tonsil infections? .

• Recurring throat infections or Strep. .

• Tonsil enlargement

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Children And Certain Adults Are At Increased Risk

Anyone can get strep throat, but there are some factors that can increase the risk of getting this common infection.

Strep throat is more common in children than adults. It is most common in children 5 through 15 years old. It is rare in children younger than 3 years old. Adults who are at increased risk for strep throat include:

• Parents of school-aged children
• Adults who are often in contact with children

Close contact with another person with strep throat is the most common risk factor for illness. For example, if someone has strep throat, it often spreads to other people in their household.

Infectious illnesses tend to spread wherever large groups of people gather together. Crowded conditions can increase the risk of getting a group A strep infection. These settings include:

• Schools

• Up to 3 in 10 children with a sore throat have strep throat
• About 1 in 10 adults with a sore throat has strep throat

Types Of Gas Infections

Group A streptococcal infections can range from a mild skin infection or a sore throat to severe, life-threatening conditions. Most people are familiar with strep throat, which along with minor skin infections, is the most common form of the disease. Health experts estimate that more than 10 million mild infections occur every year.

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Strep Throat Left Untreated: 5 Dangers To Know About

By Coastal Urgent Care Baton Rouge

In the United States, there are between 11,000 to 13,000 cases of strep throat each year.

Strep throat is an infection that is caused by the Streptococcus bacteria. It is infectious and spread through respiratory droplets. That means you can catch strep throat by breathing it in, touching something with droplets on it and then touching your face, or if you eat or drink after an infected person.

You should never have strep throat left untreated. Strep throat requires antibiotics to go away and left untreated, can worsen into other problems.

What Are The Important Warning Signs

Strep throat infection often starts as sore throat. With the gradual progression of the disease, the following signs and symptoms become prominent-

• Swollenness and redness of tonsil glands
• Inflammation of neck glands, accompanied by constant throbbing pain
• Extreme tenderness of the neck glands
• Presence of pus on the reddened tonsil glands
• Pain in the neck glands radiating to adjoining areas such as ear
• Pain in ear especially during swallowing or chewing
• Increased warmth of a sore throat
• Fever and headache
• Difficulty swallowing food
• Constant coughing with the production of phlegm
• Presence of blood in sputum
• Appearance of tiny reddish spots on the roof of the mouth
• Appearance of rashes along with fever
• Abdominal pain
• General body pain and fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting

The following methods will help you combat a strep throat infection:

• Get extra rest and drink herbal teas to soothe the pain.
• Take the due antibiotic medication course and make sure that you take the complete prescribed dosage. The most widely used antibiotics are amoxicillin and penicillin.
• OTC painkillers may also be prescribed to reduce the painful symptoms.
• Home remedies such as consuming bone broth, apple cider vinegar, raw honey, and vitamin C rich foods can help with the infection.
• Gargling with warm saline water will get rid of the bacteria and ease the pain in the throat.

In order to prevent a strep throat:

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What Causes Recurring Strep Throat

1. Antibiotic Resistance

Many people are diagnosed with recurring strep throat because the type of strep they contracted is resistant to the antibiotic the doctor prescribed. Or, the antibiotic failsto work due to incorrect dosage or allergy.

2. Weak Immune System

A large number of those with recurring strep will also have a weak immune system, such as those undergoing chemotherapy, diagnosed with AIDS or HIV, or those on a corticosteroid. With a weak immune system, people may find it hard to fight against the strep bacteria, therefore the strep throat will occur again and again.

3. Carry Strep Throat Bacteria

Other people have strep throat recur because they or someone they contact often carries the bacteria that causes it. Many people have these bacteria in their throat yet not showing the symptoms and they are known as carriers.

What Is Recurring Strep Throat

Strep throat that isn’t cured after just one round of antibiotics or occurs several times each year can be deemed as recurring strep throat. Someone who develops strep throat again and again can also have a strep throat that recurs.

Experts now know that strep throat that recurs can be due to one of more than one factors. In some cases, you contract bacteria in resistant form or the antibiotic failed for certain reason. It is also possible that you have a weak immune system or you or a family member of you is a strep carrier.

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What Are The Different Types Of Ear Infections

The most common type of ear infection is called acute otitis media . As mentioned above, this typically causes pain and fever. Other types include:

• Otitis media with effusion . This happens when the fluid remains behind the eardrum even after the acute infection clears up. A child may not have symptoms but the doctor can see the fluid when looking inside the ear with an otoscope .
• Chronic otitis media with effusion . This happens when the fluid is trapped for a long time or keeps returning. COME can possibly affect hearing or make it hard to fight off new infections.

What Are The Types Of Middle

Infections can affect the middle ear in several ways. They are:

• Acute otitis media. This middle-ear infection occurs suddenly. It causes swelling and redness. Fluid and mucus become trapped inside the ear. You can have a fever and ear pain.

• Otitis media with effusion. Fluid and mucus build up in the middle ear after the infection goes away. You may feel like your middle ear is full. This can continue for months and may affect your hearing.

• Chronic otitis media with effusion. Fluid remains in the middle ear for a long time. Or it builds up again and again, even though there is no infection. This type of middle-ear infection may be hard to treat. It may also affect your hearing.

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Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours

• Urine is pink or tea color
• Taking antibiotic more than 24 hours, and sore throat pain is severe. The pain is not better 2 hours after taking pain medicines.
• Taking antibiotic more than 48 hours and fever still there or comes back
• Taking antibiotic more than 3 days and other Strep symptoms not better
• You think your child needs to be seen, but the problem is not urgent

Southern Cross Medical Library

The purpose of the Southern Cross Medical Library is to provide information of a general nature to help you better understand certain medical conditions. Always seek specific medical advice for treatment appropriate to you. This information is not intended to relate specifically to insurance or healthcare services provided by Southern Cross. For more articles go to the Medical Library index page.

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A Simple Test Gives Fast Results

Only a rapid strep test or throat culture can determine if group A strep is the cause. A doctor cannot tell if someone has strep throat just by looking at his or her throat.

A rapid strep test involves swabbing the throat and running a test on the swab. The test quickly shows if group A strep is causing the illness. If the test is positive, doctors can prescribe antibiotics. If the test is negative, but a doctor still suspects strep throat, then the doctor can take a throat culture swab. A throat culture takes time to see if group A strep bacteria grow from the swab. While it takes more time, a throat culture sometimes finds infections that the rapid strep test misses. Culture is important to use in children and teens since they can get rheumatic fever from an untreated strep throat infection. For adults, it is usually not necessary to do a throat culture following a negative rapid strep test. Adults are generally not at risk of getting rheumatic fever following a strep throat infection.

Someone with strep throat should start feeling better in just a day or two after starting antibiotics. Call the doctor if you or your child are not feeling better after taking antibiotics for 48 hours.

What Is An Ear Infection

There are different types of ear infections. Middle ear infection is an infection in the middle ear.

Another condition that affects the middle ear is called otitis media with effusion. It occurs when fluid builds up in the middle ear without being infected and without causing fever, ear pain, or pus build-up in the middle ear.

When the outer ear canal is infected, the condition is called swimmers ear, which is different from a middle ear infection. For more information, visit Swimmers Ear .

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Could I Have A Sinus Infection And Strep Throat

Did you know that It is possible to have a sinus infection and strep throat at the same time? When your bodys immune system is low, you are more susceptible to illnesses and have a harder time fighting them off. So, what starts as a mild cold can end up a severe sinus infection and strep throat.

A sinus infection occurs when your sinuses become swollen and inflamed. It is common to develop a sinus infection after a cold because a cold can cause sinuses to swell, preventing the discharge of mucus. According to WebMD, When the sinuses become blocked and filled with fluid, bacteria can grow there and cause infection. This infection is sinusitis.

Symptoms

• Stomachache, fatigue, and vomiting

Treatment

A physician can usually determine if you have strep throat in a matter of minutes with a rapid strep test. Once it is confirmed that you have strep throat, he or she will normally prescribe antibiotics. If you have a sinus infection and strep throat, the antibiotics that are prescribed for one illness will usually take care of the other illness as well.

Whether you have strep throat, a sinus infection, a cold, or the flu, FastMed Urgent Care is available to see you every day of the year. With locations throughout North Carolina and Arizona, finding the care you need is simple. Contact your local FastMed today.