Strep throat and vomiting
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Strep Throat and Vomiting: Understanding the Connection
Introduction to Strep Throat
Strep throat, also known as Streptococcal Pharyngitis, is an infection caused by the bacterium Group A Streptococcus (GAS). This condition primarily affects the back of the throat, including the tonsils, and is characterized by symptoms such as fever, red and swollen tonsils, sore throat, and enlarged lymph nodes in the neck 1.
Common Symptoms of Strep Throat
Fever, Sore Throat, and Swollen Tonsils
The hallmark symptoms of strep throat include a sudden onset of fever, sore throat, and red, swollen tonsils. These symptoms are often severe and can lead to significant discomfort 12.
Nausea and Vomiting
In addition to the primary symptoms, nausea and vomiting are also commonly associated with strep throat. These gastrointestinal symptoms can occur alongside other signs such as headache and abdominal pain, particularly in children aged 5 to 8 years 12. The presence of these symptoms can sometimes complicate the diagnosis, as they overlap with other illnesses.
Diagnostic Methods for Strep Throat
Throat Culture and Rapid Antigen Detection Tests
Diagnosing strep throat typically involves a throat culture or a rapid antigen detection test. Throat cultures are performed using streptococcal select agar or sheep blood agar, which are highly sensitive and specific for detecting Group A β-hemolytic streptococci (GABHS) 1. Rapid antigen detection tests, such as the Directigen Group A Strep test, offer a quicker alternative with high sensitivity (96.15%) and specificity (95.18%) 1.
Severe Complications
Rare but Serious Outcomes
While strep throat is generally manageable, it can lead to severe complications in rare cases. For instance, a 65-year-old man with a history of sore throat, fever, and vomiting was found to have a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm, which was a fatal complication associated with Group A streptococcus pharyngitis 3. This underscores the importance of timely and accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Conclusion
Strep throat is a common and often painful condition caused by Group A Streptococcus. While it primarily presents with symptoms like fever, sore throat, and swollen tonsils, it can also cause nausea and vomiting, particularly in children. Accurate diagnosis through throat cultures and rapid antigen tests is crucial for effective treatment. Although rare, severe complications can occur, highlighting the need for prompt medical attention.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
β-HEMOLYTIC STREPTOCOCCAL PHARYNGITIS
Brisk antigen testing is more accurate than throat culture methods in detecting Group A -hemolytic Streptococci in patients with severe strep throat, with a sensitivity of 96.15% and specificity of 95.18%.
Observational StudyGroup A Streptococcus septicemia and an infected, ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm associated with pharyngitis.
Group A streptococcus pharyngitis can cause fatal complications, such as septicemia and ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms, when combined with a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Case ReportP399 Application of a rapid strep test in the identification of beta haemolytic streptococcus gr. A (study conducted in dracevo and its surrounding)
Rapid strep test is accurate in 97% of cases, providing prompt diagnosis and therapy for upper respiratory infections, promoting rational antibiotic use.
[An explosive outbreak of strep throat morbidity in an adult organized collective].
Group A streptococci can thrive and accumulate in unrefrigerated butter, potentially causing an outbreak of strep throat in a military collective.
Observational StudyA case of adult‐onset Kawasaki disease
Adult-onset Kawasaki disease is a rare but potentially fatal condition in adults, with symptoms ranging from fevers to conjunctivitis and arthralgias.
Case ReportDo gastrointestinal symptoms accompanying sore throat predict streptococcal pharyngitis? An UPRNet study. Upper Peninsula Research Network.
Nausea and vomiting are slightly more common in streptococcal pharyngitis, but have limited usefulness as clinical predictors of streptococcal pharyngitis.
Observational StudyStrep throat.
See a doctor for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment to prevent complications and spread to others.
Signs and symptoms of Group A versus Non-Group A strep throat: A meta-analysis
Signs and symptoms of Group A and non-GAS pharyngitis are generally similar, with no clear distinction between the two infections.
Meta-AnalysisDiagnostic Methods, Clinical Guidelines, and Antibiotic Treatment for Group A Streptococcal Pharyngitis: A Narrative Review
There is no clear superior management strategy for strep throat, as there is significant controversy regarding the best methods to diagnose GABHS and under what conditions antibiotics should be prescribed.
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