Ah, strep throat—the classic "I feel like swallowing glass" infection that turns a simple sore throat into a full-blown misery fest.
Unlike your run-of-the-mill viral sore throat, this one is bacterial and aggressive, meaning it doesn’t just make you feel bad—it actively tries to make your life hell. If left untreated, it can even cause some seriously nasty complications.
So, let’s break down what it is, what causes it, and why medics need to care.
What Is Strep Throat?
Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils, caused by Group A Streptococcus (GAS). It leads to a sudden, severe sore throat, fever, and difficulty swallowing—basically, it’s your body’s way of telling you that life is about to get uncomfortable.
This isn’t just any sore throat—it comes with distinctive red and white patches, swollen tonsils, and a general feeling of doom.
What Causes Strep Throat?
The culprit? Streptococcus pyogenes, a highly contagious bacterial strain that loves to spread like wildfire in:
✅ Schools, nurseries, and crowded areas
✅ Households with infected family members
✅ People who share drinks, food, or even bad life choices
✅ Healthcare settings where infection control is questionable
It spreads via respiratory droplets (coughing, sneezing, and touching contaminated surfaces), making it the bacterial equivalent of glitter—once it’s out there, it gets everywhere.
What Strep Throat Does to the Body
At first, it may feel like a normal sore throat, but very quickly, it ramps up to full misery mode with symptoms including:
🛑 Severe sore throat (sudden onset, no gradual buildup)
🛑 Painful swallowing (even saliva feels like sandpaper)
🛑 Fever (higher than 38°C)
🛑 Swollen, red tonsils (sometimes with white patches or pus streaks)
🛑 Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
🛑 Tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth (petechiae)
🛑 Headache, nausea, and feeling utterly wiped out
🚨 Complications if Left Untreated 🚨Strep throat isn’t just about a sore throat—if untreated, it can trigger more serious conditions:
⚠️ Scarlet Fever – The bacteria produce toxins, leading to a red, sandpaper-like rash.
⚠️ Rheumatic Fever – A delayed immune reaction that can attack the heart, joints, and brain.
⚠️ Post-Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis – Fancy name for kidney inflammation.
⚠️ Peritonsillar Abscess (Quinsy) – Pus-filled abscess near the tonsils (see previous Kraken article on this joy).
Basically, ignoring strep throat is a bad idea.
Why Is Strep Throat a Problem in PHTLS?
You might be thinking, "Why does a sore throat matter in a trauma setting?" But trust me, it does.
1️⃣ Potential Airway Complications – Swollen tonsils and lymph nodes can restrict the airway, especially in children.
2️⃣ Fever & Dehydration – High fever leads to fluid loss, which can exacerbate shock in trauma patients.
3️⃣ Secondary Infections – An untreated strep infection in an already compromised patient (e.g., trauma, sepsis risk) is a recipe for disaster.
4️⃣ Contagion Risk for Medics – You’re up close and personal with patients' airways all the time—strep can spread easily if PPE and hand hygiene aren’t followed properly.
So, while strep throat alone isn’t an emergency, it can complicate prehospital care in vulnerable patients.
How to Manage Strep Throat in PHTLS?
If you encounter a patient with strep throat symptoms, here’s your game plan:
1️⃣ Airway Assessment
Check for severe swelling or abscess formation (peritonsillar abscess or epiglottitis).
If signs of airway compromise exist—be ready for advanced airway management.
2️⃣ Pain & Fever Management
Paracetamol or NSAIDs (if no contraindications) for symptom relief.
Fluids if the patient is dehydrated.
3️⃣ Infection Control
PPE, gloves, and handwashing—don’t let Group A Strep turn your entire crew into an outbreak centre.
If transporting to hospital, notify receiving staff if you suspect strep throat.
4️⃣ Encourage Medical Follow-Up
Strep throat requires antibiotics (usually penicillin or amoxicillin) to prevent complications.
If the patient has high fever, worsening symptoms, or airway distress, they need hospital care.
Final Thoughts
Strep throat might sound mild, but it’s not to be underestimated.
Left untreated, it can lead to serious complications.
In a prehospital setting, airway swelling is your main concern.
If you suspect strep, infection control is key—protect yourself and your crew!
Stay safe, Kraken Medics – and may your throat never feel like sandpaper. 🚑🔥
Further Reading & Useful Resources
🔹 NHS: Strep Throat Symptoms & Treatment
🔹 British Infection Association: Strep A Guidelines https://www.britishinfection.org/guidelines/group-a-streptococcus/
🔹 UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA): Strep A Outbreak Guidance https://www.gov.uk/guidance/invasive-group-a-strep-igas
🔹 BMJ: Management of Bacterial Pharyngitis & Strep Throat https://www.bmj.com/content/strep-throat-management
🔹 Resuscitation Council UK: Airway Management in Infectious Conditions https://www.resus.org.uk/library/airway-management
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