Recurrent strep throat can be frustrating and painful. It’s when strep throat keeps coming back even after treatment. It can cause discomfort and worry. In this article, we’ll explain what recurrent strep throat is, what causes it, what the symptoms are, how it’s diagnosed, how it’s treated, and how to prevent it.
What Is Strep Throat?
Strep throat is an infection of the throat and tonsils caused by bacteria called Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus). The infection causes swelling and inflammation, which leads to a sore throat and other symptoms. Children are more likely to get strep throat, but adults can also get it.
Symptoms of Strep Throat
When you have strep throat, you can feel different symptoms than other throat infections. Knowing these symptoms helps you get the right treatment quicker. Some common symptoms are:
Severe sore throat
Pain when swallowing
Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus
Swollen, tender lymph nodes in the neck
Fever and chills
Headache
Fatigue or malaise
Rash (sometimes, a condition called scarlet fever)
What Causes Recurrent Strep Throat?
Recurrent strep throat can happen for a number of reasons, such as:
Incomplete Treatment
Not finishing your antibiotics can lead to recurrent strep throat. If you don't finish the antibiotics or take them correctly, some bacteria may still be in your throat, and this can cause you to get strep throat again.
Incomplete Treatment
If you don't finish the full course of antibiotics, you may still have some bacteria in your throat, which can cause the strep throat to come back. This is why it is important to finish the antibiotics as directed by your doctor.
Carrier State
Some people have strep bacteria in their bodies but don't have symptoms. These people are called "carriers" and can spread the bacteria to others without knowing it. The bacteria can stay in the carrier's body for a long time and cause recurrent strep throat infections.
Close Contact with Infected Individuals
Being in environments like schools, daycares, or offices where strep throat is common can increase your risk of recurrent infections. When you're around people who have strep throat, you're more likely to catch it yourself, even if you don't show symptoms. This is why strep throat can sometimes seem to keep coming back.
Chronic Tonsillitis
Frequent inflammation of the tonsils can make a person more prone to recurrent strep infections. This is because the tonsils are more susceptible to infection when they are inflamed. When the tonsils are inflamed, it is easier for the bacteria to cause an infection, which can lead to recurrent strep throat.
Weakened Immune System
When your immune system is compromised, due to stress, lack of sleep, or other health issues, your body's ability to fight off infections can be reduced. This can make you more likely to get recurrent strep throat, as your body may not be able to fight off the bacteria as effectively. This can be frustrating, as it can seem like you keep getting strep throat no matter what you do.
Antibiotic Resistance
Over time, the bacteria that cause strep throat can become resistant to antibiotics. This means that the antibiotics that used to work may not work anymore. If you get recurrent strep throat infections and the antibiotics that used to work don't work anymore, it can be more difficult to treat the infection.
How Is Recurrent Strep Throat Diagnosed?
To diagnose recurrent strep throat, your doctor will perform a physical exam and may use these tests:
1. Medical History Review
The doctor may ask you about the frequency of past infections and whether you have finished all of the prescribed treatments for your strep throat. This information can help the doctor understand if there is a pattern to your recurrent strep throat and if there is any particular treatment that didn't work well for you.
2. Throat Swab Test
A rapid strep test or throat culture can confirm the presence of strep bacteria. A throat swab is when the doctor takes a sample of the back of your throat to test for the presence of strep bacteria. This test can help the doctor determine if you have strep throat.
3. Blood Tests
In some cases, your doctor may order blood tests to rule out other conditions or to check if there are any issues with your immune system. These tests can help the doctor determine if there are any underlying issues that could be causing the recurrent strep throat.
4. Carrier Testing
If you keep getting strep throat, your doctor may test to see if you or someone in your household is a carrier of the bacteria. A carrier is someone who has the bacteria but does not show any symptoms. If you or someone in your household is a carrier, you may need to take some steps to prevent the spread of the bacteria.
Treatment for Recurrent Strep Throat
Getting strep throat a lot can be hard because it can make you feel sick often. But there are ways to treat it and make it happen less. Learning about these treatments can help you feel better and get sick less often.
1. Antibiotics
Penicillin or amoxicillin is the standard treatment for strep throat. If you've had recurrent cases of strep throat, it's very important to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor. This will help make sure that the bacteria are completely cleared from your body.
2. Tonsillectomy
For people who get recurrent strep throat (five or more times a year), removing the tonsils may be recommended to reduce the number of infections. This procedure called a tonsillectomy, can help to reduce the risk of the bacteria that cause strep throat getting trapped in the tonsils, which can reduce the frequency of infections.
3. Carrier Treatment
If someone close to you, like a family member or a close contact, is suspected of being a carrier of strep, treating them may prevent future infections. This means that even if they don't have symptoms, they could be carrying the bacteria and passing it on to others. By treating the carrier, it may be possible to break the cycle of infection and prevent it from coming back.
4. Immune Support
Strengthening your immune system through a healthy diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep may help prevent recurrent infections, including recurrent strep throat. By making sure your body is healthy and strong, it can be better equipped to fight off infections and prevent them from coming back. Eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and getting enough sleep are all ways to help boost your immune system and keep you healthy.
5. Pain Relief
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce throat pain and fever. These pain relievers can help to reduce the pain and fever that can come with strep throat. They can help you to feel better and manage your symptoms while you are recovering from the infection.
6. Hydration and Rest
Drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, and getting enough rest can help your body recover from a strep throat infection more effectively. Staying hydrated helps to thin the mucus in the throat, which can make it easier to swallow and reduce throat pain. Getting enough rest allows your body to focus on fighting off the infection and can help you feel better sooner.
Preventing Recurrent Strep Throat
Taking steps ahead of time can help prevent strep throat from coming back. Here are some things you can do:
1. Good Hygiene
Keeping good hygiene habits, like washing your hands frequently, especially after coughing, sneezing, or handling contaminated items, can help to prevent the spread of bacteria that cause strep throat. This can help to reduce the risk of getting strep throat, as well as other illnesses.
2. Avoid Sharing
Do not share food, drinks, or personal items, such as towels or toothbrushes, with others, especially if they are sick. This can help to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses, including the ones that cause strep throat.
3. Complete Antibiotics
If you have been prescribed antibiotics for strep throat, it's important to finish the entire course, even if you start to feel better before the end of the treatment. This helps to ensure that all of the bacteria are fully eradicated from your system, which can prevent recurrent strep throat.
4. Strengthen Your Immune System
Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress can help to keep your immune system strong. This can help your body fight off infections and reduce the risk of getting strep throat and other illnesses.
5. Tonsillectomy (if recommended)
In some cases, your doctor may recommend removing the tonsils (a procedure called tonsillectomy) to prevent recurrent strep throat. This may be recommended if you have chronic cases of strep throat or if the tonsils are causing other problems, such as sleep apnea. It's important to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before deciding if this is the right treatment for you.
When to See a Doctor
If you experience strep throat multiple times in a year, or if your symptoms don’t go away even after treatment, it is important to see a doctor. You should also see a doctor if:
You have more than three episodes of strep throat within a year.
Symptoms persist despite completing antibiotics.
You experience difficulty breathing, swallowing, or a high fever.
Recurrent infections impact your daily life or well-being.
At Center One Medical, we know how tough it can be dealing with this ongoing issue, but we're here to support you. Our team of healthcare professionals is committed to giving you the individualized care you need. Don't let recurring strep throat stop you from feeling your best. Contact us and book an appointment with Center One Medical today. Let us guide you on your path to better health.
Conclusion
Recurrent strep throat can be a hassle and affect your quality of life, but with the right approach to treatment and prevention, it can be managed. Understanding what causes recurrent strep throat and following medical advice is essential to reduce the risk of future infections and improve your overall health. Don’t let recurrent strep throat get you down—take the necessary steps to stay healthy and feel your best.
FAQs
1. Is recurrent strep throat serious?
Yes, recurrent strep throat can be serious and can cause long-term health problems if not treated properly. It can also cause persistent discomfort and affect your quality of life. If you keep getting strep throat, it is important to get treatment and follow your doctor's advice to prevent complications.
2. Is strep throat contagious?
Yes, strep throat is very contagious and spreads through droplets in the air when a person coughs or sneezes. This means that if someone with strep throat coughs or sneezes near you, you can easily catch the bacteria and get strep throat yourself.
3. Why does my child get recurrent strep throat?
Children may get recurrent strep throat because they are exposed to other children who are carriers, because their immune system is weak, or because they didn't finish all the antibiotics as prescribed. If your child keeps getting strep throat, it is important to take them to the doctor to find out what is causing the infection and to get treatment.
4. What causes recurrent strep throat in adults?
Children are more likely to get recurrent strep throat because they have weaker immune systems, spend a lot of time with other children in school or daycare, and sometimes don't finish the full course of antibiotics. This means that they may experience strep throat infections more frequently than adults.
5. How to treat recurrent strep throat?
Treatment for recurrent strep throat includes taking a full course of antibiotics, practicing good hygiene habits, and in severe cases, getting a tonsillectomy. Preventive measures, such as boosting your immune system and avoiding contact with people who are infected, are also important. If you keep getting strep throat, it is important to talk to your doctor to find out what treatment options are best for you.