Strep+Throat

__**Strep Throat**__

Definition - An infection of the throat caused by Group A Streptococcus Bacterium.

__**//What are other possible names for Strep throat and what causes it?//**__

We know it as// strep throat // but it is also known as// Streptococcal Pharyngitis //, //Streptococcal Tonsillitis// , or //Streptococcal sore throat//. Strep throat is a bacterial infection and is most commonly caused by //group A beta-//  //hemolytic//  //streptococcus// (GAS). While Group A is most common, groups B,C,D and E are also forms of bacteria that can cause strep throat.

__//**What are the effects of the disease and what are some possible treatments?**//__

Strep throat attacks the //pharynx//, including the //tonsils// and sometimes the //larynx//. Common symptoms can include //sore throat//, //fever//  , //enlarged lymph nodes// , //head ache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and muscle pain.// You may experience //trouble breathing, difficulty swallowing, bleeding in the throat, and swelling of the neck//. Strep Throat is usually resolved in a few days. With very mild cases it may resolve on its own but more serious cases are treated with //antibiotics// or // analgesics //. Antibiotics will shorten the duration of the illness by approximately 16hours. Strep throat is usually treated with //antibiotics// primarily to prevent the risk of cmplications such as // rheumatic fever, kidney damage // or //scarlet fever//. Analgesics are non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs that may be given to ease the symptoms and help treat strep throat.

**__ Diagram of a throat infected with Strep Throat __**

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__//** How is it transmitted and what can I do to prevent the infection? **//__

Since strep throat is a bacterial infection it thrives in crowded environments. Places such as the military, schools, factories and other crowded institutions often carry the infection. it was found in studies that only moist bacteria survive (such as on toothbrushes, drinks, ect) and it can live up to 15 days. Dry bacteria (such as in dust) is non-infectious.To prevent strep throat take precautions such as regular hand washing, staying away from infected individuals , and for some a procedure called tonsillectomy may be a needed. Tonsillectomy is a 3000 year old procedure in which the tonsil will be removed from either side of your throat and is usually only reserved for those who are especially prone to the illness.

 Bibliography: [|http://www.medicinenet.com/strep_throat/article.htm#tocb] [] [] __http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/tc/strep-throat-topic-overview__