JAMA PATIENT PAGE The Journal of the American Medical Association STREP THROAT

Strep Throat

sore throat can be a relatively cause of a sore throat from symptoms common occurrence, especially alone, a doctor can take a throat culture A during the cold and flu season. to determine if your sore throat is In fact, sore throats are usually a caused by this particular type of symptom of infection with a virus, such bacteria and, if necessary, treat your OTHER POSSIBLE CAUSES as a (a type of virus that sore throat using . OF A SORE THROAT: causes of the mucous If your sore throat is not caused by • Viruses, such as those that cause the membranes that line the and the bacteria that causes strep throat, common "cold," , and throat). you may have a viral infection. mononucleosis (an infection caused by a virus characterized by a high Sometimes a sore throat can be Antibiotics are not effective against a temperature, sore throat, and swollen caused by bacteria. Strep throat, for viral infection. lymph nodes) example, is caused by an infection with An article in the December 13, • , such as "hay " a type of Streptococcus bacteria. Strep 2000, issue of JAMA discusses • Laryngitis (inflammation of the throat is more common in children than diagnosing sore throats caused by or "voice box") in adults. Streptococcus bacteria. • Measles Since it is difficult to identify the • Mumps • Bacterial infections • or being exposed to smoke WHAT ARE STREPTOCOCCAL BACTERIA? or other polluted air There are many different types of bacteria. medical conditions, such as scarlet fever The bacteria are classified by various and impetigo (a skin infection that is more Pain in and around the throat can be a characteristics, including their shape. common among young children 2 to 6 symptom of a number of medical Streptococcal bacteria can cause other years old than other groups). problems. Your doctor can make an evaluation and perform tests, when SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS OF STREP THROAT: necessary, to determine the cause of your sore throat. (Every person is different and may experience some symptoms and not others, or in various combinations.) FOR MORE INFORMATION: • Sore throat that is red (from inflammation) • White patches on the or back of throat • Centers for Disease Control and • Swollen lymph nodes in the Prevention • Fever National Center for Infectious Diseases • Headache www.cdc.gov/ncidod • American Academy of Family Children may also experience pain, nausea, or vomiting. Physicians (If you have a strep throat, you usually do not have a stuffy nose or cough.) Sore Throat 800/274-2237 or WHY DO I HAVE TO TAKE ALL THE PRESCRIBED? familydoctor.org/healthfacts/163 • National Institute of and Even though some of your symptoms may your system. The most important reason Infectious Diseases be getting better, most likely all the disease- for taking all of the antibiotics prescribed www.niaid.nih.gov causing bacteria have not been killed. If for strep throat is not only to treat the you do not take all of the antibiotics symptoms but to avoid serious prescribed, the bacteria have the complications such as rheumatic fever (a INFORM YOURSELF: opportunity to reproduce bacteria that are disease characterized by pain and swelling To find this and previous JAMA Patient resistant to the antibiotic. The bacteria of tissues in various parts of the body) and Pages, check out the AMA’s Web site at begin to multiply as the antibiotic leaves kidney problems. www.ama-assn.org/consumer.htm.

Additional Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Academy of Family Physicians, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, The AMA Complete Guide to Your Children’s Health, The AMA Home Medical Library, The AMA Family Medical Guide, The AMA Encyclopedia of Medicine

The JAMA Patient Page is a public service of JAMA. The information and recommendations appearing on this page Brian Pace, MA, Writer are appropriate in most instances, but they are not a substitute for . For specific information concerning your personal medical condition, JAMA and the AMA suggest that you consult your physician. This page may be reproduced noncommercially by physicians and other health care professionals to share with patients. Any Richard M. Glass, MD, Editor other reproduction is subject to AMA approval. To purchase bulk reprints, call 718/946-7424.

2964 JAMA, December 13, 2000—Vol 284, No. 22

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