Streptococcal angina is a common disease that many parents and children are afraid of. It is always accompanied by painful sensations and affects the quality of life. When the first symptoms of sore throat appear, you should immediately consult a doctor. This ailment is contagious, therefore, requires prompt treatment. Is streptococcal tonsillitis really dangerous and how to treat it correctly - doctors still have different points of view on these issues.
Features of the disease
Streptococcal tonsillitis is an inflammatory disease of the nasopharynx that affects the tonsils and lymph nodes. In approximately 15% of cases, patients complaining of severe sore throat confirm this diagnosis. A disease such as strep throat is common among young patients and adults. Infection occurs predominantly by airborne droplets. Infection with household items is unlikely. However, outbreaks of streptococcal tonsillitis are often recorded in kindergartens and schools. The peak incidence occurs in the winter-spring period.
Causes and mechanism of the development of the disease
The bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes acts as the causative agent of the disease. This microorganism is characterized by the ability to survive in any environment. In 25% of adults, it lives on the skin, and in 12% of children in the throat. This type of bacteria is not always the cause of inflammation in the nasopharynx. Normally, the development of the pathological process is impeded by the immune system. It protects the body not only from Streptococcus pyogenes, but also from many other pathogenic microorganisms. Any malfunctions in her work can lead to the development of diseases, including streptococcal tonsillitis. What other factors contribute to this ailment?
- Seasonal temperature differences.
- Vitamin deficiency, malnutrition.
- Mechanical damage to tonsils with foreign objects.
- Chronic diseases of the nasopharynx.
- Bad habits.
The mechanism of development of strep throat angina should be considered in more detail. As a result of a malfunction of the immune system, the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes are activated. They attach to the mucous membranes of the tonsils and begin to secrete many toxins. These substances, together with antigens, affect the heart muscle, joints and kidneys. Therefore, it is important that when the first signs of the disease occur, consult a doctor and begin treatment.
Symptoms of streptococcal sore throat
The clinical picture of the disease depends on the severity of the inflammation, as well as the activity of the immune system. Like other forms of angina, streptococcal is characterized by the presence of sore throat, intoxication of the body, and a rise in temperature. However, there are clear differences.
The disease develops at lightning speed. In a few hours, the temperature reaches critical levels (38-40 degrees). Patients complain of severe sore throat and severe hyperemia of its mucous membranes. The submandibular lymph nodes increase in size, there are clear signs of intoxication of the body. Palatine tonsils are covered with a curd coating.
Streptococcal tonsillitis in children usually proceeds in a severe form. A child often cannot describe what is bothering him. The disease begins its development with an increase in body temperature, then convulsions and vomiting appear. Severe pain in the throat forces the child to refuse food. He becomes lethargic and sleepy, begins to lose weight.
Diagnosis of the disease
A photo of streptococcal tonsillitis gives a complete picture of the severity of the disease. The clinical picture of the disease is often blurred. Therefore, it is not possible to make a final diagnosis only on the basis of certain symptoms. In such cases, laboratory tests are required. The physician, upon physical examination of the patient, takes inoculation from the oral cavity for subsequent examination for pathogenic flora. Some medical institutions conduct a rapid test for the presence of antigen, which in sensitivity is slightly inferior to sowing. Based on the results of the tests, the doctor can confirm the diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate therapy.
The basic principles of treatment
Strep throat lasts no more than 6 days. For its treatment, it is enough to observe bed rest and drink more water. If necessary, the doctor prescribes antipyretic and analgesic drugs. Among them, the most effective are Paracetamol and Aspirin. These products are sold over the counter. However, before using them, you should consult your doctor. For pregnant women and children under 16 years of age, treatment with these medicines is not recommended. You can also use special sprays containing antiseptic substances, and lozenges for the throat. In most cases, this is enough to help the body overcome the disease streptococcal tonsillitis.
Antibiotic treatment is necessary if within five days or more there is no improvement in the patient's condition. Initially, penicillin group preparations (“Amoxicillin”) are prescribed. With a further deterioration in the clinical picture, therapy is supplemented with "Cephalexin" or macrolide antibiotics. As a rule, the course of treatment is five days, in some cases it is extended. Antibiotics always negatively affect the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to the development of dysbiosis. Therefore, doctors additionally recommend taking drugs with bifidobacteria (Linex, Lactobacterin).
Treatment of angina in children is practically no different from therapy in adults. You should not try to overcome the disease yourself, you can cause irreparable harm to a small body. The selection of drugs should be done only by a doctor. The most effective is considered an integrated approach to treatment, in which symptomatic agents are used simultaneously with antibiotics.
Traditional medicine recipes
Treatment of strep throat is carried out at home. If possible, it is necessary to limit the circle of communication, since the disease is transmitted by airborne droplets. Therapy includes the use of not only antibiotics and painkillers, but also recipes from traditional medicine.
To gargle, you can prepare a decoction of oak bark or chamomile. For a small patient, the best medicine is healing rosehip and mint tea. Doctors recommend that older children do aromatic inhalations with fir or eucalyptus oil. It is necessary to pour 1.5 liters of hot water into the container, and then add a few drops of aromatic oil. The child should be covered with a towel and asked to breathe over these pairs with his nose and mouth.
Possible complications
Treatment of the disease with antibiotics on the second day gives the first positive results. If the clinical picture does not change, doctors suspect various complications of streptococcal tonsillitis. The most common among them is a pharyngeal abscess. It occurs against a background of weakened immunity. Myocarditis and sepsis can also accompany this disease. Pathologies develop against a background of weakened human immunity in combination with improperly selected therapy. Short-term use of antibiotics does not allow you to kill all bacteria, so the causative agent of the disease remains in the body and continues to attack internal organs.
Disease prevention
Not always passes streptococcal infection. Angina can return at any time, because the patient does not develop stable immunity after treatment. In order to avoid re-infection, doctors recommend that you follow simple rules. First of all, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the apartment. Daily ventilation and wet cleaning contribute to the creation of an optimal living environment. In addition, doctors are advised to monitor the state of immunity. To strengthen it, you need to fully eat, play sports, observe the regime of work and rest. If you listen to such simple recommendations, the disease is sure to bypass. Be healthy!