Throat infections, caused by bacteria or viruses, cause inflammation and symptoms such as pain, hoarseness, and fever. Antibiotics can treat bacterial infections, but viral infections typically resolve on their own with rest and fluids. Strep throat can lead to other conditions if left untreated. Seek medical attention for severe symptoms or if symptoms persist for more than a week.
A throat infection is an umbrella term that describes a disease that affects and surrounds the throat area. Commonly known as strep throat, this condition is most commonly caused by bacteria or viruses. It has been estimated that a throat infection is one of the top ten reasons people visit emergency rooms for treatment.
When a virus or bacteria infects the throat, it causes painful inflammation of the tissue in the throat area. This causes symptoms such as itchy throat, redness and swelling of the throat, pain, hoarseness of the voice, cough and pain when swallowing. Other symptoms of a throat infection may include stuffy nose, runny nose and red eyes, headache, and fever.
Most sore throats are caused by viral infections, and most of these typically run their course within three to six days. Viral infections are not treatable with antibiotics. However, a doctor may prescribe antibiotic treatment if the viral infection is also accompanied by a bacterial infection. Treatment for sore throat caused by a virus generally involves drinking plenty of fluids, getting plenty of rest, and taking medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen that help provide relief from the symptoms of the infection.
Mononucleosis, also known as mono, is an example of an infection caused by a virus. Symptoms of mononucleosis include those listed above, along with fatigue, weakness, and loss of appetite. Unlike most common sore throats, mononucleosis symptoms can persist for a long time.
A patient with a bacterial infection may be prescribed antibiotics by his or her doctor. Bacteria are living microorganisms that can be killed through the use of antibiotics. Viruses cannot be killed with antibiotics because they are not living organisms, but rather a capsule of genetic material. While bacteria can reproduce and multiply on their own, viruses cannot. Viruses infect and take over a host cell, reprogramming the cell to reproduce the virus.
Antibiotics can help speed recovery and shorten the length of time the infected person is contagious to others. In addition to any prescribed medications, many doctors will also recommend that a patient with a bacterial throat infection get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids, gargle with warm salt water, and use a humidifier.
Streptococcus is an example of a bacterial infection of the throat. It’s known as strep throat because the bacteria that cause it is called strep. While strep throat is generally not harmful, if left untreated it can lead to other conditions such as rheumatic fever, scarlet fever, and tonsillitis. When a doctor suspects a patient may have strep throat, a rapid strep test or throat culture will be done to check for strep. The rapid strep test isn’t as accurate as a throat culture, but results can be received within 15 minutes. Conversely, it can take up to two days to receive the results of a throat culture.
A patient with a sore throat accompanied by a high fever and difficulty breathing or swallowing should contact a doctor immediately. If a sore throat is accompanied by a low-grade fever, you should contact a doctor if symptoms don’t improve within a day or two. It may also be a good idea to visit a doctor if an infection isn’t accompanied by other sinus symptoms, if it hurts to swallow liquids, or if your throat pain lasts for more than a week.
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