13 Signs and Symptoms of Strep Throat
Strep throat is an infection caused by a type of bacteria called Group A Streptococcus, primarily affecting the throat and tonsils. This illness spreads quickly, especially among households, with its symptoms usually starting to appear within 2 to 5 days after exposure.
Some respiratory infections, such as the common cold and tonsillitis, share and overlap symptoms with strep throat, which makes it extra challenging to distinguish the exact cause of infection.
Knowing the symptoms of strep throat is crucial, as prompt treatment is necessary to prevent serious complications involving your kidneys or heart. If you suspect you have strep throat, consider getting tested for an accurate diagnosis.
Common Symptoms Of Strep Throat
Strep throat can cause noticeable discomfort, often affecting the throat. Symptoms may vary in severity, with some individuals experiencing mild irritation while others develop more debilitating effects.
Sore Throat
Sore throat is one of the key indicators of strep throat. Your throat may feel warm, scratchy, and painful, especially when swallowing. The discomfort can worsen quickly when your mouth is dry, making it even harder to eat or drink.
The pain can range from mild to severe, sometimes radiating to the ears. The dryness and discomfort cause a constant urge to clear the throat, irritating it in the process.
Swollen Tonsils
Strep throat causes the tonsils to become swollen, red and irritated. They may appear larger than usual, and your neck may feel tender to the touch. Swelling can sometimes lead to a sensation of tightness or obstruction in the throat.
The swollen tonsils may also develop white patches, pus-filled spots, or streaks. This can contribute to a bad taste and persistent odor in the mouth. In severe cases, the swelling may partially block the airway, making breathing slightly more difficult.
Difficulty Swallowing
Swallowing may feel strained and uncomfortable. Your throat muscles may feel tight; every swallow can cause a sharp or burning sensation.
This discomfort can make it challenging to consume solid foods or even small sips of liquid. The pain while swallowing also worsens with inflammation, causing hesitation before eating or drinking.
Due to the swollen tonsils, you may experience a sensation of your throat being obstructed, making each swallow challenging if not forced.
Fever
Fever usually develops suddenly with strep throat, raising body temperatures above normal. The fever may be accompanied by chills, sweating, or shivering, leading to overall discomfort and fatigue.
The intensity of the fever varies but often exceeds 101°F (38.3°C). Higher fevers may cause headaches, muscle aches, or general weakness. Increased thirst is common, and the fever can contribute to dehydration, worsening other symptoms.
Neck Lumps
You may also notice that the lymph nodes in your neck become swollen and more prominent, especially under the jaw or behind the ears. When touched, these lumps are also tender and sensitive to the touch, increasing your discomfort.
The swelling can also occur on one or both sides of the neck, often impairing neck movement. The swollen lymph nodes may feel warm in relation to their size and sometimes throb with pain.
Mouth Red Spots
A hallmark symptom of strep throat is small red spots, or petechiae, that develop on the roof of your mouth. These spots are often clustered and look slightly raised.
They can cause mild irritation but usually do not cause significant discomfort. The red spots may be accompanied by throat redness and inflammation.
They can sometimes extend toward the back of the throat, making the area look irritated. Sometimes, these spots may darken slightly or blend with the surrounding redness.
Less Common Symptoms
Although strep throat is commonly linked to throat discomfort, it can also cause other symptoms. These may differ between age groups and may not always suggest strep throat immediately. Identifying these signs can improve awareness and understanding of the condition.
Nausea Or Vomiting
Strep throat can cause nausea, making eating and drinking uncomfortable. The sensation may worsen when you eat or smell something overwhelming. Some people experience nausea without vomiting, while others, especially children, may have occasional bouts of vomiting.
Vomiting can also occur suddenly and may be accompanied by stomach pain or discomfort, which often leads to loss of appetite and weakness. The energy exerted during vomiting episodes can contribute to dehydration, worsening fatigue, and dizziness.
Stomach Pain
Your body’s response to the strep throat infection, including fever and widespread inflammation, can affect the digestive system, leading to abdominal discomfort. This pain is often described as dull or generalized and may occur with other stomach disturbances.
Additionally, reduced food and fluid intake due to appetite loss, fever, and throat pain can contribute to abdominal discomfort. This symptom is more commonly observed in children, who are more susceptible to dehydration and digestive issues during infections.
Skin Rash
Strep throat can cause a red, sandpaper-like rash known as scarlet fever. The rash appears as tiny, red bumps that may blend into larger patches, making the skin look flushed and rough to the touch.
In addition, these rashes usually begin and itch on the neck or chest before spreading to other areas. Heat or friction may worsen the rash, causing increased discomfort in areas where the skin comes into contact with fabric or other materials.
Additional Symptoms
While strep throat is widely known for its sore throat and fever, other obvious signs might suggest you’re dealing with this infection. These symptoms can affect different parts of your body.
Headache
With strep throat, you can also suffer from persistent headaches, which are usually felt in the forehead or around the temples.
The pain may range from mild to intense and can worsen with movement, swallowing, or throat clearing. The headache may include feelings of pressure around the eyes or sinuses and sensitivity to light or sound.
You might also experience dizziness or fatigue, which can make daily tasks more difficult to manage and add to overall discomfort.
Loss of Appetite
Strep throat can cause a noticeable loss of appetite due to throat pain and discomfort. Swallowing becomes difficult, making meals less appealing.
Even your favorite comfort foods may seem unappetizing, as the effort of chewing or swallowing can feel exhausting. In addition, infection and dryness in the mouth due to inadequate fluid intake can alter your taste perception.
The vomiting that results from strep throat further alters the taste, leaving the mouth with a sour aftertaste, which contributes to appetite loss.
Body Aches
Strep throat can cause widespread body aches as a secondary symptom, making muscles feel sore and stiff. The discomfort may affect your limbs or back, creating a heavy, sluggish sensation.
Even small movements can feel tiring, and sleep may not be enough to relieve the soreness. Joint pain may accompany muscle soreness, also causing stiffness in the knees, shoulders, or wrists.
You may experience deep, lingering discomfort that worsens with physical activity or prolonged inactivity, such as sitting or lying down.
Fatigue
Strep throat can cause overwhelming fatigue, making even simple tasks feel exhausting. The body may feel heavy, with a constant desire to rest. Energy levels drop significantly, and routine daily activities can become a challenge due to persistent tiredness and weakness.
Fatigue also worsens with fever and body aches, leading to a drained and lethargic feeling. Sleep may not feel refreshing, and prolonged rest periods still leave you feeling weak, causing a lack of energy that makes concentration and focus more challenging.
Uncommon Shared Symptoms
While strep throat has distinct symptoms, some signs may indicate a different condition. Symptoms like a runny nose, cough, or sneezing are uncommon with strep and often suggest a viral infection or another underlying cause rather than this bacterial illness.
Cough
Although not typical, the cough associated with strep throat is usually mild but is bothersome, producing a tickling or a scratchy sensation in your throat. Unlike viral infections, a strep-related cough does not bring up phlegm, remaining mostly dry and occasional.
The cough is usually triggered by throat dryness or irritation rather than mucus buildup and often worsens at night. Frequent coughing can further irritate an already infected throat, creating a cycle of discomfort and persistent coughing.
Runny Or Stuffy Nose
Strep throat can sometimes cause a runny nose with clear or slightly thickened mucus. Nasal drainage may lead to frequent sniffing or irritation around the nostrils and the throat.
The constant dripping can make breathing through your nose uncomfortable or make your throat itch more, especially when lying down.
A stuffy nose causes congestion and blockages, often leading to mouth breathing, which can dry the throat further. The congestion may also result in headaches or a heavy feeling in the forehead and around the eyes.
Watery Eyes
Watery eyes may develop with irritation, causing excessive tearing and mild redness. The eyes can feel sensitive or itchy, leading to frequent blinking or rubbing.
Tearing may worsen in bright light, windy, or dry environments, resulting in a blurry vision or uncomfortable sensation. Some people experience a slight burning or stinging feeling in the eyes.
The constant moisture can make the skin around your eyes feel damp or irritated, sometimes leading to puffiness or mild swelling.
Sneezing
Sneezing is your body’s natural reflex triggered by the throat or nasal irritation from the infection. It is often preceded by an itchy or tingling sensation in the nose.
The forceful nature of sneezing can cause mild pressure in the head or slight discomfort in the throat. Sneezing can further irritate the throat and trigger brief nasal congestion or watery eyes.
Voice Changes
Strep throat can sometimes cause voice changes, making speech sound rough, weak, or strained. The throat irritation and swelling affect vocal cord vibrations, leading to changes in pitch or volume. Talking for long periods worsens the strain on your voice.
Hoarseness may also be accompanied by a dry or scratchy throat. Frequent throat clearing or coughing can add to vocal strain, and the voice may temporarily fade or become barely audible due to irritation.
