Streptococcal angina is a common disease that many parents and children fear. 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 disease is contagious, so it requires prompt treatment. Is streptococcal angina really so dangerous, how to treat it correctly - doctors still have different points of view on these questions.
Features of the disease
Streptococcal angina is an inflammatory disease of the nasopharynx that affects the palatine tonsils and lymph nodes. In about 15% of cases in patients complaining of severe sore throat, this diagnosis is confirmed. A disease such as streptococcal tonsillitis is common among both young patients and adults. Infection occurs mainly by airborne droplets. Infection through 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 development mechanismailment
The causative agent of the disease is the bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes. This microorganism is distinguished by its ability to survive in any environment. In 25% of adults, it lives on the skin, and in 12% of children, it lives in the throat. This type of bacteria is not always the cause of inflammation in the nasopharynx. Normally, the immune system prevents the development of the pathological process. It protects the body not only from Streptococcus pyogenes, but also from many other pathogens. Any failures in its work can lead to the development of diseases, which include streptococcal tonsillitis. What other factors contribute to the occurrence of this disease?
- Seasonal temperature fluctuations.
- Vitamin deficiency, malnutrition.
- Mechanical damage to the tonsils by foreign objects.
- Chronic diseases of the nasopharynx.
- Bad habits.
The mechanism of development of streptococcal angina needs to 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 to consult a doctor at the first signs of illness and begin treatment.
Symptoms of strep throat
The clinical picture of the disease depends on the severity of inflammation, as well as the activity of the immune system. Like other forms of angina, streptococcal is characterizedthe presence of sore throat, intoxication of the body, fever. 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. The palatine tonsils are covered with a curdled coating.
Streptococcal tonsillitis in children is usually severe. The 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 drowsy and begins to lose weight.
Diagnosis of disease
Photo streptococcal angina 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 definitive diagnosis only on the basis of certain symptoms. In such cases, laboratory tests are required. During a physical examination of the patient, the doctor takes a culture from the oral cavity for its subsequent study for pathogenic flora. Some medical institutions conduct a rapid test for the presence of an antigen, which is slightly inferior in sensitivity 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 its treatment, it is enough to observe bed rest and drink more water. If necessary, the doctor prescribes antipyretic and pain medications. Among them, the most effective are Paracetamol and Aspirin. These funds are sold without a prescription. However, you should consult your doctor before using them. Pregnant women and children under 16 years of age should not be treated with these medicines. You can also use special sprays containing antiseptic substances and throat lozenges. In most cases, this is enough to help the body fight strep throat.
Treatment with antibiotics is necessary if there is no improvement in the patient's condition within five days or more. Initially, drugs of the penicillin group ("Amoxicillin") are prescribed. With further deterioration of the clinical picture, therapy is supplemented with "Cefalexin" or macrolide antibiotics. As a rule, the course of treatment is five days, in some cases it is extended. Antibiotics always negatively affect the work of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to the development of dysbacteriosis. Therefore, in addition, doctors recommend taking drugs with bifidobacteria ("Linex", "Lactobacterin").
Treatment of tonsillitis in children is practically no different from therapy in adults. You should not try to overcome the disease on your own, you can cause irreparable harmsmall organism. The selection of drugs should be handled only by a doctor. The most effective is an integrated approach to treatment, in which symptomatic agents are used simultaneously with antibiotics.
Recipes of traditional medicine
Streptococcal angina is treated at home. If possible, it is necessary to limit the circle of contacts, since the disease is transmitted by airborne droplets. Therapy includes the use of not only antibiotics and painkillers, but also prescriptions from traditional medicine.
For gargling, you can prepare a decoction of oak bark or chamomile. For a small patient, the best medicine is rosehip and mint tea. Doctors recommend that older children do aromatic inhalations with fir or eucalyptus oil. Pour 1.5 liters of hot water into the container, and then add a few drops of aroma oil. The child should be covered with a towel and asked to breathe over these vapors through the 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 strep throat. The most common among them is the pharyngeal abscess. It occurs against the background of a weakened immune system. Myocarditis and sepsis may also accompany this disease. Pathologies develop against the background of weakened human immunity in combination with improperly selected therapy. Short term admissionantibiotics do not kill all bacteria, so the causative agent of the disease remains in the body and continues to attack the internal organs.
Disease prevention
Streptococcal infection does not always pass without a trace. Angina can return at any time, because the patient does not develop stable immunity after treatment. To avoid re-infection, doctors recommend following simple rules. First of all, you need to monitor the condition of the apartment. Daily ventilation 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, you need to fully eat, play sports, observe the regime of work and rest. If you listen to such simple recommendations, the disease will definitely bypass. Stay he althy!
