Differences in streptococcal infections. Symptoms of their presence

The majority of streptococcal infections are caused by hemolytic streptococcus. He is most vulnerable to children and the elderly. In areas with a sharp continental and temperate climate, this group of bacterial infections is one of the most common. It is, as a rule, seasonal in nature and affects the nasopharyngeal mucosa and larynx.

The streptococcal infection in the throat is most often localized. This inflammation is diagnosed as pharyngitis or tonsillitis. Between these diseases there is a significant difference. In order for the treatment to be most effective, it is necessary to understand what causes the inflammation, which organ is affected and whether it is necessary to consult a doctor. The disease "streptococcal pharyngitis" is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx, other organs, as a rule, are not affected. With streptococcal tonsillitis, the inflammatory process proceeds on the palatine tonsils. Despite the fact that these diseases are more often observed in children, adults are also susceptible to it.

The source of streptococcal infections are sick people, less often bacterial carriers, that is, those who do not have visible symptoms of the disease. The transmission of the most pathogenic microorganism occurs by contact-household and airborne droplets. In order for pathogenic streptococcus to enter the body, it is not necessary to enter into direct contact with the patient. The child can get infected through underwear, soft toys or dishes. With a high concentration of children, the chance of catching an infection increases several fold. Large outbreaks of tonsillitis are registered in children attending kindergartens and schools.

The signs of streptococcal infections may differ slightly depending on the age of the patient. Children up to a year primarily concerned with the allocation of green or yellow color from the nasal cavity. There is also a rise in temperature, a decrease in appetite and irritability. Toddlers up to three years complain of a sore throat, their tone decreases, the temperature rises, and the anterior lymph nodes increase. Symptoms of streptococcal infections in older children are more pronounced. There is a high fever, weakness, fatigue, severe sore throat, difficulty swallowing, headache, purulent deposits on the tonsils.

Parents should be alerted to such symptoms as: severe headaches, extremely painful and difficult swallowing even after a warm drink. Often this condition is accompanied by high fever, weakness, pain in the stomach and vomiting. In case the child has a rough red rash, it is necessary to immediately call an ambulance. This symptom is characteristic of developing scarlet fever. This infection is characterized by a combination with streptococcal infection. Also it is necessary to urgently consult a doctor if there is shortness of breath and the baby becomes difficult to swallow even saliva. The hospital will be diagnosed with streptococcal infection and effective treatment is prescribed.