A bacteria-induced infection characterized by the pain and inflammation of the throat, strep throat is the condition that’s primarily triggered by the A group Streptococcus. It affects adults and children regardless of age, although it’s relatively common in those between five and fifteen. Moreover, it’s contagious and can spread upon close contact through microscopic, airborne respiratory droplets, whether it’s from coughing or sneezing.
Streptococcus pyogenes, or GAS, is the bacteria that causes strep throat. Infection is possible if you’re exposed to this strain. Since it’s a bacterial infection, most healthcare providers prescribe antibiotics to treat the condition by inhibiting the infections or spread of the bacteria in the body. Some of the most common antibiotics that the CDC recommends include penicillin, amoxicillin, cephalexin, cefadroxil, clindamycin, clarithromycin, and azithromycin.
The advantages of using antibiotics in treating strep throat are reducing the duration of the illness, minimizing symptoms, preventing the infection from spreading, and lowering the risk of developing rheumatic fever and other potentially serious complications, such as peritonsillar abscesses. In addition, home remedies like getting adequate rest, drinking plenty of water, using a cool-mist humidifier, sucking on lozenges or ice, taking honey, and gargling salt and water can improve strep throat.
Headaches
More often than not, those with strep throat experience bouts of headaches. While they’re normally not a cause for concern, they can be uncomfortable. In severe cases, they can even disrupt daily life. Those that manifest as a health disorder are categorized as secondary headaches. Beyond bacterial infection, other causes of this headache type include medication misuse, elevated blood pressure, mental health disorders, head trauma or injury, stroke, tumor, sinus congestion, and nerve disorder.
On the other hand, primary headaches aren’t symptoms of any underlying conditions but diseases in and of themselves. Some examples are tension and migraine headaches. They’re fairly common, too, with an estimated three billion seeking medical treatment for these headaches almost yearly. Usually, they’re caused by chronic stress and disruptions in sleeping patterns and can range in severity from mild to severe and debilitating. In some cases, they can impact your quality of life.
While having headaches on occasion is normal, it’s recommended to see a doctor if you have multiple episodes a month or if it begins to interfere with your life due to severe pain or additional issues it triggers, like depression, anxiety, or stress.
