What Causes Strep Throat in Adults

Note: This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if you click on them.

Strep throat is definitely one of the most painful types of infections that we could ever experience. This illness is caused by a bacteria strain known as the Group A streptococcus bacterium. In addition to being very painful, strep throat is also highly contagious. Since the bacterium stays in our throat and nose, it is possible for us to transmit the disease through coughing or sneezing. Because of this, strep throat can easily spread from one person to another. So what causes strep throat in adults? Here are some facts that could help us become more aware of this disease particularly its symptoms and triggering factors.

First of all, “strep throat” or otherwise known as a “sore throat” is an infection that can affect all people no matter what the age is. It is important for us to know that this bacterium can stay and live in our throat for days and even months without causing any signs or symptoms. It is said that symptoms will only appear when a person is stressed or is having a weak immune system. Some of the common and notable signs and symptoms of strep throat among adults include a severe sore throat, high fever with chills and also a headache. In severe cases of a sore throat, swollen neck glands and pus formation could also occur at the sides and back of the throat.

Although this type of condition is common among children and adolescents, strep throat is still no stranger among adults. This condition could only be treated with antibiotics and as well as antipyretic medications for the high fever. Its symptoms also vary depending on age since some children do experience rashes all over the body, which adults usually don’t exhibit. These rashes look like small and red bumps that are prominent on the torso as well as the underarms. Some even suffer from stomachache when infected by the streptococcus bacteria.

Once this type of situation occurs, it is ideal for us to let a doctor see our condition. A swab test is usually done in order to confirm whether the soreness of the throat is indeed caused by the streptococcus bacteria. If it is already confirmed, doctors will usually prescribe antibiotic drugs such as Penicillin, Macrolides and Cephalosporin. However, advance management is usually done such as the surgical removal of the tonsils, once the problem is already considered recurrent. If we leave this condition untreated, strep throat could become worse in the form of rheumatic fever, which is a condition that can attack or affect the heart, kidneys, and the joints.

This is the reason why proper hygiene and as well as proper education is needed in order to help lessen the spread of this type of infection. Now that we are aware of the causes as well as the symptoms of strep throat, it is already a lot easier for us to prevent the bacteria from spreading.