It’s no secret that a sore throat can be incredibly painful. Many describe the sensation as swallowing glass, and if you’ve experienced it, you know how accurate that comparison can be. While most sore throats are fleeting nuisances, often accompanying colds or allergies and disappearing within days, persistent or recurring sore throats can be a sign of a deeper issue, particularly recurrent strep throat.
This article will explore the crucial distinctions between a common sore throat and strep throat, delve into the specific symptoms of strep throat, and, most importantly, address the question: “Why Do I Keep Getting Strep throat?” We’ll provide insights into the potential causes of frequent strep infections and what steps you can take to manage and prevent them.
Strep Throat vs. Sore Throat: Knowing the Difference
Sore throats are a widespread ailment with various origins. They can be triggered by viral infections, allergies (such as post-nasal drip irritating the throat), or bacterial infections.
Read also: “Is It a Virus or Bacteria? Understanding the Cause of Your Illness”
According to Dr. Colton Redding, a family medicine physician at Banner Health, viral infections are the most frequent cause of sore throats, especially in teenagers. However, strep throat, while less common overall, is still a significant cause, particularly in children and adolescents. Strep throat is less frequently observed in children under three and in adults.
Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by group A streptococcus bacteria. It specifically targets the throat and tonsils, resulting in a severe sore throat. A hallmark sign of strep throat is inflamed and swollen tonsils, often characterized by white or yellowish spots of pus, known as plaque or exudate.
The onset of strep throat is typically rapid. Beyond the sore throat, symptoms of a strep infection can include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
To definitively diagnose strep throat and differentiate it from other causes of sore throat, a rapid strep test or a throat culture (throat swab) is necessary. These tests can provide results quickly, often within minutes for rapid tests.
Save your spot for an in-person urgent care visit.
Unpacking Recurring Strep Throat: Why Does It Keep Coming Back?
For some individuals, strep throat isn’t just an occasional illness; it becomes a recurring problem. If you find yourself battling strep throat multiple times a year, you might be wondering, “Why do I keep getting strep throat?” Generally, experiencing strep throat three or more times within a year is considered recurrent.
While recurrent strep throat can be frustrating, it’s important to understand that, fortunately, strep throat complications are rare, especially with prompt and appropriate treatment. However, Dr. Redding emphasizes that untreated strep throat can lead to serious complications affecting the skin, heart, or kidneys. These complications include scarlet fever and rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever can cause lasting damage to heart tissues and valves and potentially impact other organs. Furthermore, inadequately treated strep infections can enter the bloodstream, leading to sepsis, a life-threatening condition.
Dr. Redding outlines several potential reasons for recurrent strep throat infections:
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Hidden Strep Carrier: Close contacts, such as family members, partners, or coworkers, can be strep carriers. These individuals may harbor the strep bacteria in their nose and throat without exhibiting any strep throat symptoms themselves. When they cough or sneeze, they release respiratory droplets containing the bacteria, potentially infecting those around them.
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Weakened Immune System: A compromised immune system, whether due to underlying health conditions or general poor health, increases vulnerability to infections, including strep throat. When your immune system isn’t functioning optimally, it’s less effective at fighting off bacteria.
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Antibiotic Resistance: Strep throat, being a bacterial infection, is typically treated with antibiotics like penicillin or amoxicillin. However, overuse or frequent antibiotic treatment can lead to antibiotic resistance. This means the bacteria become less susceptible to the effects of these medications, making it harder to eradicate the infection and potentially leading to recurrence.
To minimize your risk of contracting strep throat, especially recurrent infections, practicing good hygiene is essential. This includes frequent and thorough handwashing with soap and water or using hand sanitizer. Limiting close contact with individuals who are sick is also crucial. Furthermore, bolstering your immune system through healthy lifestyle choices can play a significant role in prevention. This includes:
- Getting adequate sleep
- Eating a balanced and nutritious diet
- Regular exercise
- Managing stress levels
What Can Be Done for Recurring Strep Throat?
Currently, there isn’t a vaccine available to prevent Strep A infections, although international efforts are underway to develop one. Managing recurrent strep throat can be challenging, depending on the underlying cause of the recurrences.
If the initially prescribed antibiotics are ineffective, your healthcare provider might adjust the dosage, switch to a different antibiotic medication, or recommend a longer course of antibiotics.
In some cases, though less commonly recommended now, a tonsillectomy, a surgical procedure to remove the tonsils, might be considered. Tonsillectomy recovery is typically longer for adults compared to children if surgery is deemed necessary.
Takeaway Message
Strep throat is a painful bacterial infection, and experiencing it repeatedly can significantly impact your quality of life. The good news is that with appropriate diagnosis and treatment, you can effectively manage strep throat and reduce the frequency of recurrences.
If you are experiencing strep throat three or more times annually, it is crucial to schedule an appointment with a primary care provider. They can properly assess your situation, determine the underlying cause of your recurrent infections, and recommend the most suitable course of action to help you find relief and prevent future occurrences.
