Streptococcal infection in the throat treatment with folk remedies. Streptococcal lesion of the throat: what is the danger? Features of treatment in children

Scientific classification of staphylococcus:
Domain:
Type of: Firmicutes (firmicutes)
Class: bacilli
Order: Lactobacillales (Lactobacilli)
Family: Streptococcaceae (Streptococcal)
Genus: Streptococcus (Streptococcus)
International scientific name: Streptococcus

Streptococcus ( lat. Streptococcus) is a spherical or egg-shaped bacterium belonging to the Streptococcal family (Streptococcaceae).

In nature, this type of bacteria also exists in the ground, on the surface of plants, fungi.

Streptococcal infection is a conditionally pathogenic microflora - it is almost always present in the human body and does not carry any danger, since its quantity and stay in a person is controlled by the immune system. However, as soon as a person should weaken (stress, hypothermia, hypovitaminosis, etc.), bacteria immediately begin to actively multiply, secrete a large amount of their metabolic products into the body, poisoning it, and provoke the development of various, as described above, mainly - , and systems. And therefore, the main preventive action against the development of streptococcal infection in the body, and related diseases, is to strengthen and maintain the normal functioning of the immune system. However, all types of streptococci should not be considered pathogenic - some of them are beneficial bacteria, for example - Streptococcus thermophilus, which are used in the production of sour-milk products - yogurt, sour cream, mozzarella and others.

The main ways of contracting streptococcal infection are airborne and contact-household routes.

Diseases that can cause streptococci

In addition, streptococcal infection can become a secondary infection, joining, for example, enterococcal and other species.

Most often, diseases of streptococcal etiology affect children, the elderly, and office workers.

Characteristics of streptococci

Let's take a look at a brief description of bacteria - streptococcus.

Streptococcus is a typical cell with a diameter of less than 1 micron, located in pairs or chains, forming an elongated rod with thickening and thinning, shaped like beads strung on a chain. It is from this shape that they got their name. Streptococcal cells form a capsule, and are able to easily turn into an L-shape. Bacteria are immobile, with the exception of group D strains. Active reproduction occurs upon contact with particles of blood, ascitic fluid or carbohydrates. Favorable temperature for the normal functioning of the infection is + 37 ° C, acid-base balance (pH) - 7.2-7.4. Streptococci live mainly in colonies, forming, as it were, a grayish coating. They process (ferment) carbohydrates, forming acid, break down arginine and serine (amino acids), in a nutrient medium they synthesize extracellular substances such as streptokinase, streptodornase, streptolysins, bacteriocins and leukocidin. Some representatives of streptococcal infections - groups B and D form red and yellow pigments.

Streptococcal infection includes about 100 types of bacteria, the most popular of which are hemolytic streptococci.

How to inactivate streptococcus?

Streptococcus bacteria die when:

- their treatment with solutions of antiseptics and disinfectants;
- pasteurization;
- exposure to antibacterial agents - tetracyclines, aminoglycosides, penicillins (not used for invasive streptococcal infection).

How is streptococcus transmitted? Consider the most popular ways of contracting streptococcal infection.

The conditions under which a person begins to get sick with streptococcal diseases usually consist of two parts - exposure to this infection and weakened immunity. However, a person can become seriously ill with ordinary contact with this type of bacteria.

How can streptococcus enter the body?

Airborne route. The risk of contracting a streptococcal infection usually increases during the period of colds, when the concentration of various infections (, fungus and others) in the air, mainly indoors, increases significantly. Staying in offices, public transport, performances and other places with a large crowd of people, especially during the period, is the main way to become infected with these bacteria. Sneezing and are the main signals that warn that it is better to leave this room, or at least ventilate it thoroughly.

Air-dust path. Dust usually consists of small particles of fabrics, paper, flaky skin, animal hair, plant pollen and various representatives of the infection - viruses, fungi, bacteria. Staying in dusty rooms is another factor that increases the risk of streptococcal infection.

Contact-household way. Infection occurs when sharing, together with a sick person, the use of dishes, personal hygiene items, towels, bed linen, kitchen utensils. The risk of the disease increases with injury to the mucous membrane of the nasal or oral cavity, as well as the surface of the skin. Very often, at work, people become infected through the use of one cup for several people, or drinking water from the throat, from one bottle.

Sexual way. Infection occurs during intimacy with a person who is sick with streptococci, or simply is their carrier. This type of bacteria tends to live and actively multiply in the organs of the genitourinary system of men (in the urethra) and women (in the vagina).

Fecal-oral (alimentary) route. Infection with streptococci occurs when non-compliance, for example, when eating food with unwashed hands.

medical path. Infection of a person occurs mainly during his examination, surgical or dental intervention with non-disinfected medical instruments.

How can streptococcus seriously harm a person's health, or what weakens the immune system?

The presence of chronic diseases. If a person has chronic diseases, this usually indicates a weakened immune system. In order not to complicate the course of diseases, and streptococcal infection has not joined existing diseases, pay due attention and focus on their treatment.

The most common diseases and pathological conditions in which streptococcus often attacks the patient are: and other body systems, injury to the mucous membranes of the oral and nasal cavities, throat, and organs of the genitourinary system.

In addition, the risk of contracting streptococcus increases:

Bad habits: drinking alcohol, smoking, drugs;
Lack of healthy sleep, chronic fatigue;
Eating, predominantly;
Sedentary lifestyle;
Deficiency in the body and ();
Abuse of certain drugs, for example - antibiotics, vasoconstrictor drugs;
Visiting beauty salons of a dubious nature, especially manicure, pedicure, piercing, tattoo stuffing procedures;
Work in contaminated areas, such as in the chemical or construction industries, especially without respiratory protection.

Streptococcus symptoms

The clinical picture (symptoms) of streptococcus is very diverse, and depends on the localization (organ) that affects this genus of bacteria, the strain of infection, the state of health and the immune system, and the age of the person.

Common symptoms of streptococcus may include:

, change in voice timbre;
Plaque formation, often of a purulent nature, on the patient's tonsils;
, malaise, muscle pain and;
, from 37.5 to 39 °С;
Redness of the skin, as well as itching and the appearance of bubbles or plaques on it;
, lack of appetite, ;
Feeling of soreness and itching in the organs of the genitourinary system, discharge from them;
- (runny nose), and;
Difficulty breathing, sneezing, shortness of breath;
Violation of the sense of smell;
Respiratory tract diseases:, and pneumonia ();
, violation of consciousness;
Violation of the normal functioning of some organs and tissues, which have become the focus of sedimentation of bacteria.

Complications of streptococcus:

Glomerulonephritis;
Inflammation of the heart muscle -, endocarditis,;
Vasculitis;
Purulent;
loss of voice;
lung abscess;
Severe forms;
Chronic lymphadenitis;
erysipelas;
Sepsis.

In total, about 100 species of streptococci are known, each of which is characterized by its pathogenicity.

For convenience, this genus of bacteria, depending on the type of erythrocyte hemolysis, was divided into 3 main groups (Brown classification):

Alpha streptococci (α), or green streptococci - cause incomplete hemolysis;
Beta streptococci (β)- cause complete hemolysis, and are the most pathogenic bacteria;
Gamma streptococci (γ)– are non-hemolytic bacteria, i.e. they do not cause hemolysis.

The Lancefield classification, depending on the structure of carbohydrate C of the bacterial cell wall, also distinguishes 12 serotypes of β-streptococci: A, B, C ... to U.

Alpha-hemolytic streptococci:

All types of bacteria included in the genus - Streptococcus (Streptococcus): S. acidominimus, S. agalactiae, S. alactolyticus, S. anginosus, S. anthracis, S. australis, S. caballi, S. canis, S. castoreus, S. constellatus, S. criae, S. criceti, S. cristatus, S. danieliae, S. dentapri, S. dentasini, S. dentirousetti, S. dentisani, S. dentisuis, S. devriesei, S. didelphis, S. downei, S. dysgalactiae, S. entericus, S. equi, S. equinus, S. ferus, S. fryi, S. gallinaceus, S. gallolyticus, S. gordonii, S. halichoeri, S. henryi, S. hongkongensis, S. hyointestinalis, S. hyovaginalis, S. ictaluri, S. infantarius, S. infantis, S. iniae, S. intermedius, S. lactarius, S. loxodontisalivarius, S. lutetiensis, S. macacae, S. macedonicus, S. marimammalium, S. massiliensis, S. merionis, S. milleri, S. minor, S. mitis, S. mutans, S. oligofermentans, S. oralis, S. oriloxodontae, S. orisasini, S. orisratti, S. orisuis, S. ovis, S. parasanguinis, S. parauberis, S. pasteuri, S. pasteurianus, S. peroris, S. phocae, S. pluranimalium, S. plurextorum, S. porci, S. porcinus, S. porcorum, S. pseudopneumoniae, S. pseudoporcinus, S. pyogenes, S. ratti, S. rubneri, S. rupicaprae, S. salivarius, S. saliviloxodontae, S. sanguinis, S. sciuri, S. seminale, S. sinensis, S. sobrinus, S. suis, S. thermophilus, S. thoraltensis, S. tigurinus, S. troglodytae, S. troglodytidis, S. uberis, S. urinalis, S. ursoris, S. vestibularis, S. viridans.

Diagnosis of streptococcus

Testing for streptococcus is usually taken from the following materials: swabs taken from the oropharynx (for diseases of the upper respiratory tract), vagina or urethra (for diseases of the genitourinary system), sputum from the nose, scrapings of the surface of the skin (for erysipelas), and blood and urine .

Thus, the following tests and methods for examining the body with streptococcal infection are distinguished:

and urine;
and urine;
Bacteriological culture of sputum and swabs taken from the nasal cavity and oropharynx;
internal organs;
lungs;

In addition, differential diagnosis is necessary to distinguish streptococcal infection from: infectious mononucleosis, rubella, measles, and other types of infection - trichomonas, gerdnerella, candida, chlamydia, ureaplasma, mycoplasma, etc.

How to treat streptococcus? Treatment of streptococcus usually consists of several points:

1. Antibacterial therapy;
2. Strengthening the immune system;
3. Restoration of normal intestinal microflora, which is usually disturbed by the use of antibacterial drugs;
4. Detoxification of the body;
5. Antihistamines - prescribed for children with allergies to antibiotics;
6. Symptomatic therapy;
7. With a simultaneous illness and other diseases, their treatment is also carried out.

The beginning of treatment is a mandatory visit to a doctor who, with the help of diagnostics, will identify the type of pathogen and an effective remedy against it. The use of broad-spectrum antibiotics can aggravate the course of the disease.

Treatment of streptococcal infection can be carried out by different specialists - depending on the form of infection - a general practitioner, pediatrician, dermatologist, gynecologist, surgeon, urologist, pulmonologist, etc.

1. Antibacterial therapy

Important! Before using antibiotics, be sure to consult your doctor.

Antibiotics against streptococci for internal use:"", "Amoxicillin", "Ampicillin", "Augmentin", "Benzylpenicillin", "Vancomycin", "Josamycin", "Doxycycline", "Claritomycin", "Levofloxacin", "Midekamycin", "Roxithromycin", "Spiramycin" , "Phenoxymethylpenicillin", "Cefixime", "Ceftazidime", "", "Cefotaxime", "Cefuroxime", "".

The course of antibiotic therapy is prescribed individually by the attending physician. Usually it is 5-10 days.

Antibiotics against streptococci for local use: Bioparox, Hexoral, Dichlorobenzene Alcohol, Ingalipt, Tonsilgon N, Chlorhexidine, Cetylpyridine.

Important! Antibacterial drugs of the penicillin series are widely used for the treatment of streptococci. If allergic reactions occur to penicillins, macrolides are used. Tetracycline antibiotics against streptococcal infections are considered ineffective.

2. Strengthening the immune system

To strengthen and stimulate the immune system, in infectious diseases are often prescribed - immunostimulants: "Immunal", "IRS-19", "Imudon", "Imunorix", "Lizobakt".

It is a natural immunostimulant, a large amount of which is present in products such as rose hips and other citrus fruits, kiwi, cranberries, sea buckthorn, currants, parsley,.

3. Restoration of normal intestinal microflora

When using antibacterial drugs, the microflora necessary for the normal functioning of the digestive system is usually suppressed. For its restoration, recently an appointment is increasingly being prescribed. probiotics: Acipol, Bifidumbacterin, Bifiform, Lineks.

4. Detoxification of the body.

As it was written in the article, streptococcal infection poisons the body with various poisons and enzymes, which are the products of their vital activity. These substances complicate the course of the disease, and also cause a considerable number of unpleasant symptoms.

To remove the waste products of bacteria from the body, it is necessary to drink plenty of fluids (about 3 liters per day) and rinse the nasopharynx and oropharynx (with a solution of furacillin, a weak saline solution).

Among the drugs for removing toxins from the body are:"Atoxil", "Albumin", "Enterosgel".

5. Antihistamines

The use of antibacterial drugs by young children is sometimes accompanied by allergic reactions. To prevent these reactions from developing into complications, the use of antihistamines: "Claritin", "", "Cetrin".

6. Symptomatic therapy

To alleviate the symptoms of infectious diseases, various drugs are prescribed.

At high body temperature: cool compresses on the forehead, neck, wrists, armpits. Among the drugs can be identified - "", "".

For nasal congestion- vasoconstrictor drugs: Knoxprey, Farmazolin.

Important! Before using folk remedies, consult your doctor.

Apricot. For the treatment of streptococcal infection, apricots have proven themselves well - apricot pulp should be consumed 2 times a day, morning and evening, on an empty stomach. With skin lesions, the skin can also be rubbed with apricot pulp.

Black currant. Blackcurrant berries not only contain a high dose of vitamin C, but are also natural antibiotics. To use these berries as a remedy, you need to eat 1 glass of them after each meal.

Chlorophyllipt. As an alcohol and oil solution, it can be used to treat diseases of the upper respiratory tract. The alcohol solution is used as a rinsing of the nasal cavity and throat, the nose is instilled with an oil solution and the tonsils are lubricated. The course of treatment is 4-10 days.

Rose hip. Pour the zhmenka with 500 ml of water, bring the product to a boil, boil for about 5 minutes and set aside for several hours to infuse. Drink the prepared broth 150 ml twice a day. An increase in efficiency was noted with the simultaneous use of this remedy with the use of apricot puree.

Onion and garlic. These products are natural antibiotics against various infections. To use onions and as a remedy, you do not need to cook anything special, they just need to be consumed along with other food, at least a couple of times a day.

Series. Chop thoroughly and pour 400 ml of boiling water 20 g dry, cover the container and leave to infuse. When the product has cooled, strain it well and take 100 ml, 4 times a day.

Prevention of streptococcus includes the following recommendations:

- Avoid crowded places, especially indoors and during the season of respiratory diseases;

- If there is a patient at home, provide him with cutlery, personal hygiene items, a towel and bed linen for personal use;

- Do not use one dish for several people at work, and do not drink water from the throat at the same time with several people;

- Try to eat foods rich in trace elements;

- Avoid stress;

— If the living space has an air conditioner, air purifier or

Streptococcus - video

Be healthy!

Each of us from birth interacts with different microflora. One of the most unpredictable is streptococcus. It comes in different forms, depending on which our well-being depends. Very often, people experience a sore throat that is caused by this bacterium.

Streptococcus in the throat: etiology

They are bacteria of a spherical shape, arranged in the form of chains.

They are an integral part of the microflora, but with a decrease in immunity, they can lead to serious health problems.

Good bacteria die under the influence of sunlight, antibiotics and various disinfectant solutions.

Streptococci make up 30-60% of the bacteria found in the throat. They enter the body along with food, feed on the epithelium and food debris. genetic information is contained in the nucleus. Reproduction occurs by division. They belong to the type of gram-positive bacteria. Streptococci can survive in dried sputum and pus for many months and tolerate freezing well.

Reasons for the appearance

Streptococcus enters the throat:

with exhaled air
with poorly processed high-temperature foods,
due to violation of sanitary standards,
through play with pets,
with kisses.

Despite the fact that streptococci are almost always in our throat, most of the time a person feels fine. This means that the cells are in a conditionally pathogenic state. Their development and spread is restrained by the proper functioning of the immune system. Any infection, hypothermia and immunodeficiency states can lead to a violation of the normal balance.

Dr. Komarovsky talks about the causes of streptococcal infection in our video:

What diseases does it cause?

The most common is tonsillitis or. affects the region of the tonsils. When the protective properties of the body are weakened, bacteria actively multiply, which is why pus is formed, which is typical for, (),. Toxins enter the bloodstream, which leads to.

No less popular disease is. When the disease affects the palatine arches,. The disease has a descending character, therefore, in the absence of proper treatment, bacteria enter the trachea and bronchi. With pharyngitis, the general condition of a person does not suffer much, but if left untreated, it leads to development.

Streptococci cause:

Scarlet fever. This is an acute infectious disease caused by a beta-hemolytic species of bacteria. In childhood, the symptoms are pronounced. In adults, the picture is often blurred.
Periodontitis. Inflammation develops in the periodontium, which is located around the affected tooth.
Pneumonia. If the throat disease is not treated, the infection spreads to the lungs. As a result, there is a lack of oxygen and a violation of gas exchange.

How to distinguish streptococcal tonsillitis, says Dr. Komarovsky:

Symptoms

They may vary depending on what type of streptococcus caused the disease. Febrile states usually appear. Toxins lead to the body. In adults, the indicators may be insignificant, but children are always difficult to tolerate the infection. The waste products of bacteria poison the body. This results in:

Babies may experience a lack of appetite.

Pictured is a throat affected by a streptococcal infection

Diagnostics

If the symptoms described above appear, you need to seek help from a specialist as soon as possible for a more accurate diagnosis.

Methods

Used to treat the throat. It easily removes microorganisms, protects the mucous membrane for several hours. In the acute period of the disease, it should be done every 30 minutes. After 3-4 days follows every 5-6 hours. This method allows you to clear the throat, prevent the spread of pathogenic microflora throughout the body. Throat sprays can be used.

Treatment includes admission,. The latter are aimed at improving local blood circulation, which leads to an acceleration of the patient's recovery. Often a streptococcal infection leads to. Therefore, doctors often prescribe antihistamines.

folk recipes

Many herbs have antibacterial properties. Popular is blackcurrant, which inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria. It also contains a large amount of vitamin C, which is necessary for. Every day you need to eat 250 g of berries. The duration is 3 days.

Rosehip decoction has a good effect. It is drunk twice a day for 150 ml. The thermos holds 1 tbsp. l fruit and pour 250 ml of hot water. You need to insist 12 hours. This drink has an astringent, anti-inflammatory effect.

Helps to cope with the infection and tincture of burdock. Vodka is poured into 1 glass of burdock and left for 7 days in a dark place. Take should be 0.5 tbsp. l. 3 times a day.

To speed up the removal of toxins from the body, drink plenty of fluids, and also eat foods high in vitamin C. If folk methods do not help after a couple of days, call a doctor.

Several recipes for the treatment of streptococcal infection in our video:

Surgical method

Such methods are used only in extreme cases. If streptococcus has become the cause of development, then an operation can be performed on. But the method is used only in cases where the tonsils are greatly enlarged, interfere with full breathing, and become the cause for constant exacerbations.

What not to do when sick

To prevent the occurrence of complications, it is prohibited:

Ignore antibiotics.
Eat foods that are too cold or hot.
smoke.
Visit the sauna and bath.
to remove .

You can not violate the treatment regimen prescribed by the doctor. This is especially true when taking antibiotics. An independent reduction in the duration of treatment or a decrease in dose can lead to the development of streptococcus resistance to drugs. This will lead to a longer course of treatment and increase the risk of complications. not fully understood, but cross-immunity is often the culprit. At such a time, antibodies developed to fight streptococcus are sent to body cells that have been changed under the influence of the pathogen.

In 10% of patients, autoimmune inflammation of the kidneys develops in the absence of adequate treatment. Children are especially affected by the disease. Diseases are also dangerous for the heart, joints and connective tissues.

How not to get infected

Streptococcal. The source is almost always a sick person and his household items. But from an asymptomatic carrier, the risk of transmission of the infection is minimal. The disease is transmitted by contact, airborne droplets. If the following factors are present, the risk of infection increases:

pathology of the endocrine system,
immune diseases,
related ,
chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Streptococcal infections are seasonal. Therefore, the possibility of infection increases in late autumn and early winter. You can reduce the risk of infection if you follow basic sanitary rules. If there is a person at home with a disease caused by streptococci, then it is best to isolate him, provide him with a separate towel, bedding and dishes.

How not to get streptococcal infection

Prevention

It is possible to prevent the development of the disease if the treatment of diseases of the nasopharynx is carried out in a timely and correct manner. Immunomodulators can be taken every 6 months, especially for immunocompromised individuals.

Common ones include elimination of foci of bacterial infection and early hospitalization of patients with moderate to severe disease. Patients should be followed up for 3 months. Return to normal life should occur no earlier than 12 days after recovery.

Forecast

With adequate treatment, the prognosis for life is favorable. It is more difficult to cure an ailment in a newborn child. Streptococcus in him can cause deadly diseases: pneumonia.

Streptococcal infection is a group of diseases caused by beta-hemolytic streptococcus, which has the ability to destroy blood cells, penetrate the blood, brain, respiratory tract, genitourinary system or ENT organs and cause the development of many diseases, including tonsillitis (tonsillitis, pharyngitis, scarlet fever). There are several types of streptococcus, but in 70% of cases, beta-hemolytic streptococcus group A becomes the cause of inflammation in the throat and pharynx.

What is a streptococcal infection?

Streptococcal throat infection is an acute or chronic disease in which inflammatory processes occur in the throat and pharynx, with damage to the tonsils and upper respiratory tract. The causative agent of the disease is considered to be group A streptococcus, which is present in the body of almost every person, but shows its activation only under certain conditions.

Gamma-hemolytic streptococcus refers to bacteria that are present in the mouth, intestines, respiratory system, but they do not harm our body. Beta-streptococci are considered dangerous for the human body, which, after penetrating the cells, provoke the development of inflammatory processes with a high risk of complications. Pathogenic streptococcus secretes toxic enzymes that penetrate the bloodstream, lymph and spread throughout the body, affecting internal organs and systems. It is streptococcus toxins that cause pronounced symptoms and symptoms of intoxication, which are present during the development of angina or scarlet fever.

The immune system after the introduction of streptococcal infection is unstable, which can cause repeated inflammatory processes or the development of complications.

How does a strep throat infection develop?

Diseases of the throat and larynx of infectious origin in 70% of cases are caused by streptococci, which are in a safe amount on the mucous membranes of the oral cavity. However, under certain conditions, when there is a shift in the immune system or a person has direct contact with a sick person or a carrier of streptococcus, the pathogenic bacterium is activated, which ultimately leads to the development of tonsillitis (tonsillitis), pharyngitis or scarlet fever.

Infection with a streptococcal infection of the throat can occur in several ways: airborne droplets, household contact, or through close contact with a sick person. However, not all people suffer from infectious diseases of the throat. The fact is that the likelihood of morbidity directly depends on the state of local immunity of the tonsils. The weaker the local immunity, the more likely it is to get a streptococcal throat infection. In cases where general immunity is reduced, a streptococcal infection of the throat can manifest itself against the background of predisposing factors: hypothermia, allergic reactions, or adverse environmental conditions.

After the penetration of streptococcus into the mucous throats, it begins to actively multiply, which leads to the inability of the local immunity of the tonsils to overcome the bacterium. When streptococcus overcomes the barriers of local immunity, it enters the bloodstream, releases toxins, and, together with the bloodstream, spreads throughout the whole body, causing inflammation and general intoxication. The inflammatory process in streptococcal infection of the throat, by its nature and course, can cause catarrhal, follicular, lacunar or necrotic inflammation, which explains the appearance of angina, its form and severity. After all, it is known that angina happens: catarrhal, lacunar, necrotic or purulent and follicular, it can also occur in acute or chronic form. With the development of one of the types of angina, a streptococcal infection penetrates not only into the blood stream, but also into the lymph nodes, where it causes their acute inflammation.

Streptococcal throat infection: causes

The main reason for the development of a streptococcal infection of the throat is considered to be a decrease in local or general immunity, which is unable to resist pathogenic microbes. Provoking factors for the development of streptococcal throat infections include:

Hypothermia of the body;
Decreased immunity against the background of other internal diseases;
Mechanical injuries of the oral cavity, throat, larynx;
dental diseases;
Diseases of the nasal mucosa: sinusitis, sinusitis, chronic rhinitis.

There are other reasons that can cause inflammation in the throat, but in any case, a strep throat infection requires immediate treatment under the supervision of a doctor.

Symptoms of a strep throat infection

The causative agent of streptococcal infection (streptococcus) releases toxins that poison the human body, which causes intoxication and severe symptoms. The main clinical signs of a streptococcal throat infection are:

temperature rise to 38 C and above;
headache, muscle weakness, body aches;
plaque on the tongue and tonsils;
sore throat;
dry cough;
redness, hyperemia of the tonsils and posterior palate;
the appearance of purulent plugs - characteristic of follicular or necrotic tonsillitis;
punctate, itchy rash - characteristic of scarlet fever;
lowering blood pressure;
an increase in submandibular lymph nodes;
general intoxication of the body.

A strep throat infection (tonsillitis or scarlet fever) requires immediate treatment. Untimely or poor-quality treatment of streptococcal infection in the throat often leads to complications: glomerulonephritis, myocarditis, rheumatism, brain damage, pneumonia and other severe pathologies that are difficult to treat and can often lead to disability or death.

Diagnosis of streptococcal infection

It is possible to identify the causative agent of the disease and the cause of the development of the disease only after the results of the examination. The attending physician must exclude other diseases that have similar symptoms to streptococcal infection: diphtheria, measles, rubella, infectious munocleosis, and only then make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment. The following examinations will help determine the type and stamp of the pathogen:

blood chemistry;
Analysis of urine;
bacteriological culture;
electrocardiography.

The results of laboratory examinations, the collected history of the patient, as well as an examination of the nasopharynx will help the doctor to get a complete picture of the disease, make the correct diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate treatment for streptococcal throat infection.

Treatment of streptococcal infection

Treatment of streptococcal throat infection is carried out on an outpatient or inpatient basis, it depends on the degree of the disease, the diagnosis, the age of the patient, the risk of complications and other characteristics of the human body. The main treatment is antibacterial therapy, which is aimed at the destruction of the pathogenic pathogen, the elimination of the inflammatory process. Of the antibacterial drugs, doctors most often prescribe broad-spectrum antibiotics: erythromycin, drugs of the penicillin group, erythromycin, cephalosporins. These drugs include: Augmentin, Ampicillin, Penicillin, Sumamed, Fromilid, Macropen. Such drugs are available in different pharmacological forms: tablets, capsules, suspension for children or ampoules. If complications are suspected or in severe cases, the doctor may prescribe penicillin antibiotics: benzylpenicillin, bicillin-3, bicilli-5 in the form of ampoules for intramuscular or intravenous administration. Antibiotics are taken 3-4 days after the treatment of streptococcal infection in the throat is carried out with penicillin preparations. The course of treatment is 5 - 7 days. The dose of drugs is prescribed depending on the age of the patient, body weight and other characteristics of the body.

Together with antibiotics, you need to take probiotics that will protect the intestinal microflora from the development of dysbacteriosis: Linex, Laktovit, Bifi - forms and others.

In addition to taking antibiotic therapy, the patient is prescribed other drugs:

Antipyretic and anti-inflammatory: Paracetamol, Ibuprofen;
Antihistamines: Suprastin, Tavegil, Loratadin.
Spray for the throat - relieves inflammation, has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, analgesic properties: Oracept, Ingalipt, Kameton, Proposol.
for sucking - have the same effect as a throat spray: Faringosept, Decatilen, Trachisan, Strepsils, Lisobakt.
Vitamin therapy, immunotherapy - allow you to provide the body with the necessary nutrients, increase immunity, speed up the healing process.
Mucolytic, antitussive drugs - are prescribed for dry cough, which is often a companion of angina and scarlet fever: Ambroxol, Lazolvan, Sinekod and others.

All drugs should be prescribed by the attending physician and only after the results of the examination and diagnosis. In addition to drug treatment, patients are prescribed bed rest, heavy drinking, and lack of physical activity. Efficiency in the treatment of streptococcal infections is considered to be gargling with antiseptic solutions (Furacilin, Dekasan) or herbal decoctions with anti-inflammatory effect: chamomile, calendula, oak bark. Some herbal plants used in the treatment of infectious diseases of the throat can cause an allergic reaction, so you should consult your doctor before using them.

In cases where conservative treatment does not give positive results, and exacerbations appear more often, then the tonsils, which should protect us from infection, become its source. In such cases, the doctor recommends surgery to remove the tonsils.

It is important to note that a strep throat infection cannot be treated without antibiotics. The absence of antibiotic therapy in the treatment of streptococcus in 90% of cases will lead to complications. Treatment of infectious diseases of the throat caused by pathogenic streptococcus should be carried out at the first symptoms of the disease and only under the supervision of a physician. Self-medication can not only not bring the desired results, but also provoke the development of complications. The sooner treatment is carried out, the greater the chances of a successful recovery.

Throat diseases most often appear due to the activation of certain groups of bacteria, streptococcus is no exception. He, like his other "colleagues", sits in ambush and waits for the right moment for his full-fledged activity. Streptococcal throat infection is quite insidious, so timely treatment will prevent dangerous complications.

When a person is healthy, the immune system works like a clock, all pathogenic microflora behaves satisfactorily, peacefully coexisting with the human body. As soon as you “pick up” a virus or catch a cold, streptococcus in the throat can immediately make itself felt.

Streptococcus and its types

Currently, three types of streptococcal hemolytic infection are found:

gamma group bacteria. Their favorite place of localization is the gastrointestinal tract and the oral cavity. Gamma bacteria like to be present in normal microflora in acceptable titers. As a rule, this type of streptococcus does not cause the development of infectious processes;
beta group bacteria. They live and breed in the throat. They are provocateurs of all forms of angina, pharyngitis, scarlet fever, meningococcal infection, sepsis. According to statistics, the beta group is the main source of infectious processes in the pharynx and lower respiratory system. Doctors in question are also called pyogenic;
alpha group bacteria. In principle, they are harmless, and peacefully "live" in the oral cavity and pharynx. Activation occurs only with a strong decrease in immunity and complications in untreated infections. As a result, endocarditis and other inflammatory processes in organs and tissues may develop.

Treatment of all types of streptococcus in the throat will help prevent sore throat, pharyngitis, as well as reduce the likelihood of developing bronchitis, pneumonia, erysipelas and streptoderma. Despite the fact that streptococcus "sits" in the throat, it often causes meningitis, glomerulonephritis, rheumatism, and other dangerous diseases.

Why is streptococcus activated?

A weakened immune system cannot resist the spread of viruses and bacteria, the titer of microbes begins to exceed the permissible norms, the volume of colonies of streptococcus and the like is expanding, as a result, a person becomes the owner of dangerous diseases.

Hemolytic group beta streptococcus in the throat is very dangerous and at any moment, especially during epidemics, when the patient's body is weakened as a result of the flu or virus, it can activate and cause complications.

The mucous throat as a result of smoking, eating a large amount of spicy and sour food, alcoholic beverages becomes damaged and susceptible to pathogenic microflora, hence viral and bacterial diseases occur.

Streptococcal infection also spreads as a result of long-term use of hormonal agents, the release of gastric juice back into the esophagus, with autoimmune diseases, and chemotherapy.

In medicine, there is such a thing as nosocomial infection. This is when employees or patients become infected in a healthcare facility. Such an infection has stable forms and is difficult to treat with medication. After the sanitation of the foci, temporary stabilization is observed, i.e. titers of pathogenic microflora fall to the maximum allowable, and after a few weeks everything returns to normal.

Group B streptococcus is also dangerous for newborns. During passage through the birth canal, sometimes babies become infected if the baby's mother has a streptococcal infection in the vagina in dangerous amounts.

Therefore, since Soviet times, a child immediately after birth is given antibacterial drops in both eyes for prophylactic purposes. This procedure helps prevent streptococcal, staphylococcal, gonococcal infections in children in the conjunctiva of the eye, and in the throat, in the first days of birth, streptococcus rarely develops. The probability of infection in childbirth, without prophylactic instillation, is 50%.

Streptococcus in the throat of a child and adult patients can be activated when they are in contact with already sick people or carriers of streptococcal infection for a long time. In this case, isolation of healthy people and immediate treatment of a potential "pest" is needed.

Infection occurs by airborne droplets or through daily use items: toys, dishes, bedding, etc. Dry and hot air in the room also contributes to the spread of streptococcus and provokes throat diseases.

What symptoms in the throat causes streptococcus?

After the introduction of a streptococcal infection, the first symptoms appear in the throat after 2-3 days. In children, the clinic is more pronounced, the symptoms of the disease are growing more rapidly. Adults also note the appearance of soreness in the throat, but the course of the disease in most cases is less acute reactivity. So, streptococcus in the throat and other organs is manifested by such complaints:

headache;
hyperemia and soreness of the posterior wall and the region of the tonsils;
purulent raids;
perspiration and dryness;
the appearance of white lumps when examining the throat in the mirror (at home);
pain when swallowing;
coughing;
swelling of the tonsils or back wall;
enlargement of the cervical lymph nodes;
an increase in body temperature (in children sometimes reaches 40 degrees);
lack of appetite;
nausea;
weakness;
aches in the joints;
twisting in the calf muscles;
pain in the heart and kidneys;
intoxication in a complicated form of the disease;
rash (in children it is necessary to exclude scarlet fever).

Strep throat infection, if left untreated, leads to severe complications. The number one source of all these troubles is streptococcal, or less often staphylococcal tonsillitis, more often of a chronic form. The infection gradually smolders, spreading toxins with the bloodstream, and when the body is weakened, we all have the “charms” of the pathological process in the body.

Of course, it is easier to treat a streptococcal infection in an acute form, while there are no chronically advanced stages. Antibacterial therapy started in time allows you to completely get rid of the disease. In chronic processes, regular relapses of the disease are observed from two or more times a year.

Symptoms are sometimes hidden, the patient may be disturbed only by fatigue and a slight increase in temperature in the evenings up to 37–37.1 degrees. Years of ongoing infection in the throat can signal bad breath.

To treat a strep throat infection, broad-spectrum antibacterial drugs are used. In the chronic form of the disease, pre-sowing is carried out from the pharynx to determine the pathogen, and only then begin antibacterial treatment.

What you need to know about streptococcus

Complications of streptococcal infection

The most severe complications include the following diseases:

sinusitis;
inflammation of the middle and inner ear;
lymphadenitis;
bronchopneumonia;
paratonsillar abscess;
retropharyngeal abscess;
myocarditis;
endocarditis;
glomerulonephritis;
osteomyelitis;
meningitis;
rheumatism.

Complications that occur in the organs of the respiratory system usually appear 5-7 days after streptococcus activation. This pattern is a consequence of the lack of treatment with antibacterial agents. As for pathologies such as endocarditis, glomerulonephritis, rheumatism, they are observed after a certain period, approximately 10–20 days from the onset of the disease.

In order to prevent the occurrence of dangerous pathologies or to identify them in time, it is necessary to pass a general blood and urine test 10 days after suffering a sore throat. This diagnostic will determine if there is an inflammatory process in the body, and check the condition of the kidneys after the infection. Leukocytosis, lymphocytosis, elevated ESR, shift of the leukocyte formula to the left - a clear inflammation. Protein, cylindruria, an increase in the number of leukocytes and erythrocytes in the urine indicate damage to the glomeruli of the kidneys, i.e. The patient is diagnosed with post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis.

Bronchopneumonia can become a dangerous complication. Their insidiousness lies in the fact that the infection can also affect the pleural cavity. As a result of such processes, pleurisy or pleural empyema occurs.

The combination of streptococcal and staphylococcal infections lead to generalization of sepsis, and this is a step towards death.

How to treat a strep throat infection?

Rinses, inhalations, anti-inflammatory tablets and lozenges will not solve problems with streptococcus alone. The only effective treatment is the use of antibiotics. Ideally, choose the right remedy based on the bacterial culture.

The course of treatment with antibacterial drugs is from 7 to 14 days. Sometimes intramuscular or intravenous administration of drugs is required. In case of primary infection, they resort to drugs of the penicillin series. Only the doctor is engaged in the selection of the drug, taking into account the age, weight and severity of the course of the infectious process.

If the patient has intolerance to penicillins, macrolides, for example, azithromycin or erythromycin, as well as drugs of the cephalosporin group, can be used:

, cephalexin,
moxalactam, ceftibuten,
cefazolin, ceftriaxone and others.

In scarlet fever, macrolides and cephalosporins remain the drugs of choice. The latter are used in more severe forms of the disease. Antibacterial therapy for scarlet fever lasts from 14 days or more, depending on the severity of the disease. In particularly unstable and difficult cases, therapy is supplemented with aminoglycosides.

After the acute period of the disease subsides, the lacunae are washed with antiseptics using special devices. The course requires at least 5 washes twice a year.

Streptococcus often recurs after a course of antibiotics. Then you should change the tactics of treatment, it is possible to replace the antibiotic, undergo additional examinations and involve an immunologist in solving the problem.

Is there a vaccine for streptococcal infection?

Immunization today has not lost its relevance. In relation to streptococcus, vaccines are being developed, but so far scientists have not achieved certain results. Animal studies have shown a number of negative aspects with the introduction of streptococcal vaccines. Provocations of severe immune responses were observed, which in turn led to damage to the internal organs in experimental animals. Therefore, such a vaccine cannot be categorically used for humans.

The only prevention of the development of streptococcal infection is the raising of immunity. You need to pay attention to the following points:

dress according to the weather;
eat properly;
harden;
exercise measured physical activity;
observe the hygiene of the body and home;
quit bad habits.

Folk methods of getting rid of streptococcus

Traditional medicine is used in combination with the main antibacterial treatment. Their task is to help destroy the bacterial flora, relieve inflammation, weaken the manifestation of the disease, raise vitality and restore immunity. Against the background of the use of folk remedies, patients note the minimum development of complications, which makes it possible to carry out treatment without harm to the body.

To combat streptococcus, the following recipes were selected:

buy fresh propolis from beekeepers. Take a small piece in your mouth and chew slowly for about 5-10 minutes. Continue the procedure three times a day for two weeks. Then a break for two weeks, and repeat the treatment again;
prepare a drink "Health": cranberries + rose hips (200 grams each). Add 10 raspberry leaves to them. Pour the mixture with a liter of boiling water and keep on low heat for 5 minutes. We insist 1.5 hours. We drink 200 ml during the day;
gargling: 10 grams of string + 10 grams of willow bark (mix everything), pour boiling water in an amount of 300 ml. We insist about two hours. Gargle three times a day;
water infusion of beets will help relieve inflammation in the throat. To do this, beet pulp is diluted 1: 1 with water. Insist 5-7 hours. The prepared infusion should be gargled three times a day. It is recommended to add a teaspoon of homemade apple cider vinegar to rinses. Healers also advise taking beetroot water inside 20 ml twice a day.

What can interfere with recovery?

The desire to quickly get better sometimes causes patients to harm themselves. No wonder one Polish proverb says: "What is overdone is not healthy." The main thing is not to harm the treatment. Let's list what patients should not do with a streptococcal infection:

go to work and to public places (it is necessary to observe bed rest in the presence of temperature);
refuse to take antibiotics;
refuse preventive antibiotics in immunodeficiency states;
go to the pool, sauna, swim in natural reservoirs;
not observe the hygienic regime of the oral cavity;
eat irritating foods
smoke;
drink alcohol;
supercool;
warm the throat in various ways (the risk of developing and spreading a purulent infection);
be treated without antibiotics, using only folk remedies and homeopathy;
self-medicate.

Conclusion

The success of recovery depends on the timely visit to the doctor. A streptococcal infection in the throat is not a condition that can be monitored for a long time. Patients should be clearly aware that streptococcus is a time bomb, which in some cases even leads to disability. Take care of yourself and be healthy!