Angina streptococcal: symptoms, treatment, possible complications

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, so it requires prompt therapy. Is it really dangerous streptococcal tonsillitis, how to treat it properly - these questions still have different points of view for doctors.

Features of the disease

Streptococcal angina is an inflammatory disease of the nasopharynx, affecting the palatine tonsils and lymph nodes. Approximately 15% of cases in patients complaining of severe sore throat, this diagnosis is confirmed. Such a disease, as streptococcal tonsillitis, is common among both young patients and adults. Infection occurs mainly by airborne droplets. Infection through household items is unlikely. However, kindergartens and schools often record outbreaks of streptococcal angina. The peak incidence falls on the winter-spring period.

Causes and mechanism of development of the disease

The bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes acts as a causative agent of the disease. This microorganism is distinguished by the ability to survive in any environment.25% of adults live on the skin, and 12% have children in the throat. This kind 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 disruptions in her work can lead to the development of diseases, including streptococcal tonsillitis. What other factors contribute to this ailment?

1. Seasonal temperature differences.
2. Vitamin deficiency, irrational nutrition.
3. Mechanical damage to the tonsils with foreign objects.
4. Chronic diseases of the nasopharynx.
5. Harmful habits.

The mechanism of streptococcal angina development should be considered in more detail. As a result of disruption of the immune system, Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria become more active. They attach themselves to the mucous tonsils and begin to release a lot of toxins. These substances, together with antigens, affect the heart muscle, joints and kidneys. Therefore, it is important when you have the first signs of illness to see a doctor and start treatment.

Symptoms of streptococcal angina

The clinical picture of the disease depends on the severity of the inflammation, as well as the activity of immunity. Like other forms of angina, streptococcal is characterized by the presence of pain in the throat, intoxication of the body, rising temperature. However, there are obvious differences.

The disease develops at lightning speed. Within a few hours the temperature reaches critical levels( 38-40 degrees).Patients complain of severe pain in the throat and severe congestion of its mucous membranes. Submandibular lymph nodes increase in size, there are obvious signs of intoxication of the body. Palatine tonsils are covered with a curdled coating.

Streptococcal angina in children usually occurs in severe form. A child often can not describe what is bothering him. The disease begins its development with an increase in body temperature, then there are convulsions and vomiting. Expressed pain in the throat force the child to refuse to eat. He becomes sluggish and drowsy, begins to lose weight.

Diagnosis of the disease

Photo of streptococcal angina gives a complete picture of the seriousness of the disease. The clinical picture of the disease is often blurred. Therefore, it is not possible to make a definitive diagnosis only on the basis of certain symptoms. In such cases, laboratory tests are required. The physician, in the physical examination of the patient, takes a sowing from the oral cavity for further study of it for pathogenic flora. In some medical institutions, an express test is performed for the presence of antigen, which, in its sensitivity, is slightly inferior to sowing. Based on the results of the tests, the doctor can confirm the diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate therapy.

Basic principles of treatment

Streptococcal angina lasts no more than 6 days. For her treatment it is enough to comply with 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 without a prescription. However, before using them, you should consult your doctor. Pregnant women and children under 16 years of age are not recommended for these medicines. You can also use special sprays containing antiseptic substances, and troches for the throat. In most cases this is enough to help the body to overcome the disease streptococcal angina.

Treatment with antibiotics is necessary if there is no improvement in the patient's condition for five days or more. Initially prescribed drugs penicillin group( "Amoxicillin").With further deterioration of 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 prolonged. Antibiotics always negatively affect the functioning of the digestive system, leading to the development of dysbacteriosis. Therefore, in addition, doctors recommend taking drugs with bifidobacteria( "Linex", "Lactobacterin").

Treatment of angina in children is practically the same as in adults. Trying to overcome the disease yourself should not, you can cause irreparable harm to a small body. The choice of drugs should be dealt with only by a doctor. The most effective is an integrated approach to treatment, in which concomitant antibiotics are used symptomatically.

Recipes of traditional medicine

Treatment of strep throat is performed 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 pain medications, but also recipes from traditional medicine.

For gargling, you can prepare a decoction from the bark of oak or chamomile. For a small patient, the best medicine is a curative tea made from rose hips and mint. Older children are advised to make aromatic inhalations with fir or eucalyptus oil. In the container, pour 1.5 liters of hot water, and then add a few drops of aroma oil. The child should be covered with a towel and ask to breathe over these pairs of nose and mouth.

Possible complications

Treatment of the disease with antibiotics already on the second day gives the first positive results. If the clinical picture does not change, doctors suspect various complications of streptococcal angina. The most common among them is the retropharyngeal abscess. It occurs against the background of weakened immunity. Myocarditis and sepsis can also accompany this disease. Pathologies develop against the background of weakened human immunity in combination with improperly selected therapy. Short-term use of antibiotics does not allow to kill all bacteria, so the causative agent of the disease remains in the body and continues to attack internal organs.

Prevention of disease

Streptococcal infection does not always pass without a trace. Angina can return at any time, because after the treatment the patient does not develop stable immunity. To avoid re-infection, doctors recommend adhering to simple rules. First of all, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the apartment. Daily airing and wet cleaning contribute to the creation of an optimal living environment. In addition, doctors advise to monitor the state of immunity. To strengthen it, it is necessary to eat fully, exercise, observe the regime of work and rest. If you listen to such simple recommendations, the disease must bypass. Be healthy!