What are the symptoms of pharyngitis and why it can lead to other complications

Following the recent outbreak of cases caused by SStreptococcus pyogenes domestic, Experts are warning about the bacterium, which is the most common bacterial cause of acute pharyngitis and skin infections such as impetigo, cellulitis and scarlet fever.

As of November 6, a total of 487 cases of invasive infection have occurred. Streptococcus pyogenes There have been 78 deaths across the country. Nearly half of the cases were under the age of 16 (241 cases, equivalent to 49.5%), while 38.5% of the deaths were children under the age of 16, with the remaining cases distributed across all age groups.

What are the symptoms of pharyngitis and why it can lead to other complications

Pharyngitis is one of the most common illnesses caused by this bacteria. Ospedyc National Medical Director Valeria El Haj explained the complications that can result from not treating this infection promptly and stressed the importance of not self-medicating to avoid the development of drug resistance.

Strep throat is a bacterial infection, most commonly caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, causing acute pharyngitis and skin infections such as impetigo, cellulitis and scarlet fever. “Transmission occurs through direct contact with the wounds of an infected person or through droplets expelled through coughing, sneezing or talking,” El Haj detailed.

On December 8, 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that at least five member states in the European region (France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) reported an increase in infections. Number of cases of invasive disease caused by group A streptococci (Streptococcus pyogenes).

Diseases caused by Streptococcus pyogenes

he Streptococcus pyogenes, often causing minor illnesses such as pharyngitis, impetigo, cellulitis, and scarlet fever. However, in rare cases, the infection can lead to invasive disease, leading to life-threatening conditions and leading to more than 500,000 deaths worldwide each year.

The incubation period varies based on clinical manifestations and ranges from 1 to 3 days. Pharyngitis is diagnosed by bacterial culture and treated with antibiotics, with penicillin being the preferred treatment.

“If left untreated, strep throat can lead to complications such as kidney inflammation and rheumatic fever. This infection is more common in children, but it can affect anyone of any age,” El Haj added.

Signs and symptoms of strep throat

• Sore throats usually appear quickly.
• Pain when swallowing.
• Tonsils are red and swollen, sometimes with white spots or pus marks.
• Small red spots (soft or hard) on the back of the roof of the mouth.
• The lymph nodes in the neck are swollen and tender.
• fever.
• Headache.
• acne.
• Nausea or vomiting, especially in young children.
• Pain all over.

It is possible to have many of these signs and symptoms but not have strep throat. The cause of these signs and symptoms may be a viral infection or other illness. Therefore, doctors often perform a specific test to detect strep throat (a faucet swab).

antibiotic treatment

Adequate antibiotic treatment after the first 24 hours eliminates transmissibility. It is important to avoid self-medicating with antibiotics and consult a doctor when certain symptoms occur.

Where antibiotic treatment is medically indicated, the treatment regimen must be completed (do not shorten or abandon treatment prematurely), as inappropriate use of antibiotics can promote bacterial resistance, compromising their future effectiveness.

“Sick people should avoid public places (work, school) and limit household contacts. In addition, it is important not to share items for personal use (cutlery, glasses, towels, etc.) and to properly ventilate the room regularly. Likewise, hand hygiene Hygiene and personal hygiene also help control the spread,” the professional concluded.