Streptococci and staphylococci in the throat of a person can be for many years. In this case, the patient will not experience serious inconvenience or unpleasant symptoms. However, if at some point the immune system fails and the protective functions of the human body decrease, then the virus can cause inflammatory processes and related pathologies.
When streptococcus is activated in a person’s throat, a patient may develop chronic tonsillitis, scarlet fever and other unpleasant diseases.
What is an ailment and how is it transmitted
Streptococcus in the throat is a specific bacterium that can long side by side with other microorganisms located in the nasopharynx of a person.
It is believed that similar throat infections occur in children and adults with an enviable frequency. This is because the causative agents of this virus are in the human body from birth. Accordingly, if there are no provoking factors throughout life, then in this case, streptococcus may not appear in any way. If activated, any other microorganisms may form on the skin or mucous membranes in the throat, respiratory tract and even the gastrointestinal tract.
It is also worth paying attention to the fact that streptococcus bacteria are divided into several categories. Let's consider them in more detail.
Alpha hemolytic streptococcus in the throat
Also, this type of streptococcus is often called green. This is due to the fact that with the development of this ailment, human blood begins to acquire a barely noticeable greenish tint. This type of streptococcus is considered dangerous, since it can provoke the development of very serious diseases, such as an abscess of the peritoneum or infectious endocarditis.
In addition, the alpha hemolytic form of the virus can lead to meningitis and pneumonia. Infection with this type of streptococcus occurs through direct contact with a sick person or after using his personal belongings. However, according to medical practice, the frequency of diseases of this variety of streptococcus is the lowest.
Non-hemolytic streptococcus
Streptococcus in the throat, the symptoms of which may vary depending on its shape, can be localized not only in the person’s mouth, but also in the intestinal tract. It is precisely this type of non-hemolytic form of the disease.
Most often, infection with this virus occurs during surgical brushing or dental treatment. If a patient seeks help due to caries or endocarditis, then harmful bacteria can enter the throat and further through the intestines during the doctor’s work. Nevertheless, this type of streptococcus is considered not dangerous. It does not affect the chemical composition of red blood cells; accordingly, it is treated much faster.
Beta hemolytic type
This type of streptococcus in the throat is considered one of the most dangerous. In the process of developing the disease in the throat, purulent discharge may form. Another type of beta-hemolytic streptococcus can lead to meningitis and sepsis. Children who have just been born are most at risk of developing this disease, against which pneumonia can develop.
Reason for occurrence
As you know, inflammation of the upper respiratory tract is a very common problem in both adults and children. The main causes of streptococcus in the throat are hypothermia and a decrease in immunity.
The disease begins to develop from the first minute after damage to the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract. This is due to the fact that streptococcus activates a special protein that lowers the protective functions of the body. Accordingly, at this time, patients note the characteristic symptoms of streptococcus in the throat. Let's consider them in more detail.
Symptomatology
If we talk about the most common symptoms that patients suffer from, then first of all you should pay attention to fever, weakness and pain in the upper respiratory tract.
In addition, with the occurrence of streptococcus in the throat, an increase in the submandibular lymph nodes occurs. Also, many have increased weakness and lethargy. If the disease was caused by the activation of sleeping microorganisms, then in this case there is redness and the appearance of an unpleasant purulent plaque on the tonsils.
It is also worth a closer look at the back of the throat. If redness appeared on it and purulent sores formed, then this is the first sign of staphylococcus. As a rule, the incubation period is about 3 days.
In addition, it is worth paying attention to the fact that the disease manifests itself and proceeds differently in adults and children. Let's consider these differences in more detail.
Features of symptoms in children
First of all, it is worth saying that streptococcus in the throat in a child develops much faster than in adults. Almost immediately after the onset of infection, the baby experiences severe malaise and chills.
Children over the age of 6 months may become more moody and irritable, while they will refuse to eat. In this case, it is necessary to check the child’s body temperature, which is likely to be increased. Also at this age, children suffer from yellow-green nasal discharge, nausea and vomiting.
Older babies from the age of 2-3 years can already express themselves and, accordingly, tell them what exactly bothers them. As a rule, they begin to complain of headaches, sore throats, and often swallow due to dry mucous membranes. In addition, previously mobile babies begin to behave very sluggishly, often sleep and eat little. It is worth checking the lymph nodes for an increase.
At the age of 3 to 10 years in children, the temperature can greatly jump, up to 40 °. At the same time, when examining the throat, severe redness and the appearance of purulent plaque on the tonsils will be noticeable. If during this period no emergency measures are taken to treat streptococcus in the throat of a child, the purulent process will develop further, which can lead to intoxication.
If the child suffers from streptococcal pharyngitis, then in this case there will also be a dry cough, which later turns into wet. If you do not start treating this ailment in a timely manner, then the disease can go into tracheitis. When a rash appears in children, it is worth starting the treatment as soon as possible, as this may be a sign of incipient scarlet fever.
Features of symptoms in adults
In this case, it is worth noting that angina proceeds in the most severe form. On the other hand, with exacerbation of chronic tonsillitis, an adult experiences less severe symptoms, which manifest as general malaise, pain, swelling of the throat, poor appetite, and swollen lymph nodes.
The disease can have time to affect not only the throat, but also other parts of the respiratory system. As a result, it can provoke otitis media, bronchitis, sinusitis, rhinitis and other unpleasant diseases. If you do not start treating streptococcus in the throat in an adult in a timely manner, this can cause serious complications. Therefore, you must go to the doctor as soon as possible.
How to treat staphylococcus at home
Most often, the doctor recommends therapy that can be carried out independently. First of all, he prescribes local antibiotics, antimicrobials for oral administration, as well as immunostimulating drugs.
Only with the complex treatment of streptococci in the throat can a positive and most effective result be achieved. In some situations, antibiotics are not prescribed, however, when it comes to a bacterial infection, they are necessary. If we talk about such drugs, then the most effective spray is Bioparox. It must be used about 4 times a day, but not more than 10 days.
Penicillin preparations such as Massin and Bicillin are also used. If patients experience allergic reactions to such drugs, then Sumamed and Macropen antibiotics are used.
In order to have minimal harm from taking aggressive drugs, it is worth giving preference to the most sparing group of these drugs - macrolides. Such compositions do not have a negative effect on the intestines of the patient, as well as on the mucous membrane of the throat.
Alternative methods of treatment
In some situations, you can get rid of streptococcal infection using natural ingredients. However, experts strongly recommend the use of alternative recipes only as an additional method of treatment. Refusing pills is not recommended.
You can gargle with various antiseptic infusions, which are made from chamomile or calendula. These compounds can be either made independently or purchased at a pharmacy at a fairly low price.
In addition, it is recommended to prepare immunostimulating decoctions from the root of Echinacea or dogrose. This tool improves the body's defense system, tones it and promotes rapid recovery.
Features of the treatment of streptococcus in children
In this case, specialists, as a rule, also prescribe antibiotics. However, the dosage of these drugs should be calculated based on the age of the baby and the characteristics of his body. As a rule, light antibiotics are used for children, since they are more effective and do not have a negative effect on the growing organism.
If during the disease the child has an increased body temperature, then in this case non-steroidal drugs, such as Ibuprofen, may be required. In addition, experts have nothing against additional treatment with folk remedies, which include rinse formulations made from sage, chamomile or calendula.
Also, children are necessarily prescribed vitamin complexes, which can improve the state of the immune system and accelerate recovery. And if the disease develops too rapidly, then the doctor may recommend a course of UHF.
Features of the treatment of streptococcus during pregnancy
As you know, during the period of bearing a child, aggressive drugs are strictly contraindicated for women. Accordingly, with the development of streptococcal infection, there can be no question of using antibiotics. In this case, doctors prescribe local drugs. For example, Hexaspray. Also, during pregnancy, it is worth giving preference to traditional medicine and using as many decoctions and rinses as possible. If for a long time no therapeutic effect is observed, then in this case the doctor is forced to prescribe a course of taking antibiotics.
However, if a pregnant woman found streptococcus viridans in her throat, then there is nothing to worry about. This is normal when carrying a baby.