Tag: Untreated strep throat consequences

what happens if you don t treat strep throat

Strep throat is a common bacterial infection that affects many Americans yearly. A recent study showed that 40% of people with strep throat don’t get medical help. This puts their health at risk.

Not treating strep throat can lead to serious problems. These problems can last a long time.

Key Takeaways

Strep throat is a common and highly contagious bacterial infection.
Untreated strep throat can lead to the spread of infection and inflammatory reactions.
Complications of untreated strep throat include rheumatic fever, kidney inflammation, and neurological disorders.
Respiratory issues, ear infections, and throat abscesses are also potential consequences of leaving strep throat untreated.
Prompt diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are crucial to prevent serious health complications.

Overview of Strep Throat

Strep throat is a common bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, or group A streptococcus. It can make your throat sore and painful, and you might have trouble swallowing. You might also get a fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and sometimes a rash.

Getting the right diagnosis and treatment is key to stop the infection from spreading and to avoid complications.

Causes and Symptoms

The Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria cause strep throat. You might feel a sore, painful throat and have trouble swallowing. You could also get a fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and sometimes a rash.

Some people might also feel nauseous, vomit, or have stomach pain.

Risk Factors

Young age: Strep throat is most common in children, particularly those between 5 and 15 years old.
Exposure during colder months: The Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria tend to circulate more easily during the winter and early spring seasons.
Close contact with infected individuals: Strep throat is highly contagious and can spread through close personal contact or by sharing personal items with someone who has the infection.
Weakened immune system: Individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those with chronic illnesses or undergoing certain medical treatments, may be at a higher risk of developing strep throat.

Knowing the causes, symptoms, and risk factors of strep throat is important. It helps you get medical help quickly and stop the infection from spreading. Early treatment can make you feel better and lower the risk of complications.

Complications of Untreated Strep Throat

Not treating strep throat can lead to serious health issues. A big worry is the spread of the streptococcal infection to other body parts. This includes the tonsils, sinuses, skin, bloodstream, and middle ear.

Untreated strep throat can also cause inflammatory reactions in the body. These reactions can show up in different ways, such as:

Scarlet fever, a rash-like condition that often comes with strep throat
Glomerulonephritis, a type of kidney inflammation
Rheumatic fever, a serious condition that can damage heart valves
Poststreptococcal reactive arthritis, an inflammatory joint condition

There’s also a link between strep infections and a rare condition called PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcus). But, this link is still being researched and is not fully proven.

“Leaving streptococcal infections untreated can have serious consequences, leading to the spread of the infection and triggering inflammatory reactions throughout the body.”

It’s important to see a doctor right away if you think you have strep throat. Early treatment can prevent these serious problems.

Rheumatic Fever

Rheumatic fever is a serious condition that can happen if strep throat is not treated. It’s an inflammatory disease that can affect the heart, joints, nervous system, and skin. If not managed well, it can cause permanent damage to the heart valves, leading to heart failure.

The connection between rheumatic fever and untreated complications of strep throat is clear. When the body fights a strep infection, it might attack healthy tissues too. This can lead to rheumatic fever.

Symptoms of rheumatic fever include:

Joint pain and inflammation
Fever
Skin rashes
Heart palpitations
Chest pain

If not treated, rheumatic fever can harm the heart valves permanently. This can raise the risk of heart failure, stroke, and other serious issues.

“Rheumatic fever is a serious condition that can have long-lasting effects on a person’s health, which is why it’s so important to treat strep throat promptly and effectively.”

Early diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic fever are key to preventing complications and improving outcomes. Treatment usually involves antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and regular heart health checks.

Knowing the link between strep throat and rheumatic fever helps people act fast. This can prevent this serious complication from happening.

Kidney Inflammation

Not treating strep throat can lead to a serious issue called poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis. This condition makes the kidneys inflamed. It can harm kidney function and lead to serious problems if not treated quickly.

The kidneys filter waste and extra fluids from the blood. When they get inflamed, this process stops. Poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis happens when the immune system overreacts to the infection. This leads to an autoimmune response that damages the kidneys.

Symptoms of kidney inflammation include:

Decreased urine output
Blood or foam in the urine
Swelling in the legs, feet, or around the eyes
High blood pressure
Nausea and vomiting

If not treated, kidney inflammation can get worse. It could lead to chronic kidney disease or even kidney failure. It’s important to see a doctor right away if you think you have complications from an untreated strep throat infection.

“Untreated strep throat can lead to serious complications, including kidney inflammation, which can have long-lasting consequences if not addressed.”

Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder

Researchers think there might be a link between strep throat and a rare condition called PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with. This disorder can make symptoms of mental health issues, like OCD or tics, worse in kids. This happens during or right after a strep infection.

The idea behind PANDAS is that the immune system mistakenly attacks certain brain molecules after a strep infection. This can cause sudden or worse mental health symptoms. But, the link between PANDAS and strep throat is still not clear.

To treat PANDAS, doctors do two things: fight the strep infection with antibiotics and help with mental health symptoms. This might include therapy or medicine. It’s important to act fast because early treatment can stop things from getting worse.

“The relationship between PANDAS and strep throat complications remains a complex and ongoing area of research and discussion within the medical community.”

Scientists are still studying how PANDAS works. But, this condition shows how important it is to treat strep throat quickly. It also highlights the need for fast medical help if a child’s behavior or mental health suddenly changes.

What Happens if You Don’t Treat Strep Throat

If strep throat is not treated, it can lead to serious problems. The infection can spread and cause long-term health issues. It’s important to know the risks to get medical help quickly.

Untreated strep throat can spread to other body parts. This includes the sinuses, ears, or bloodstream. It can cause more infections and inflammation. This might lead to sinus infections, ear infections, and even toxic shock syndrome.

Another risk is inflammatory reactions. The immune system might overreact, causing rheumatic fever or kidney inflammation. These can harm the heart, joints, and other important organs for a long time.

In rare cases, strep throat can lead to PANDAS. This is a condition that causes sudden neurological and psychiatric symptoms in kids.

To avoid these problems, it’s key to see a doctor and follow their treatment plan. Getting diagnosed and treated quickly can stop the infection and lower the risk of future health issues.

The Consequences of Untreated Strep Throat

Spread of infection to other parts of the body, such as the sinuses, ears, or bloodstream
Inflammatory reactions, including rheumatic fever and kidney inflammation
Increased risk of developing PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal Infections)

Getting medical help quickly and following the treatment plan is vital. It helps prevent the consequences of untreated strep throat and ensures a full recovery.

Pneumonia and Other Respiratory Complications

Not treating strep throat can lead to serious issues, like pneumonia, a dangerous lung infection. If the bacteria spread to the lungs, it can cause this serious condition. Pneumonia means inflammation and fluid in the lungs’ air sacs, making breathing hard.

Other respiratory complications can also happen from not treating strep throat. Sinus infections can occur when the infection moves to the sinuses. These issues can be very painful and make everyday tasks hard, showing why it’s key to treat strep throat quickly.

“Untreated strep throat can lead to severe respiratory complications that require immediate medical attention.”

It’s vital to get medical help for strep throat to avoid these issues. Antibiotics can kill the bacteria, lowering the chance of the infection spreading and causing more health problems. Quick action is key to managing strep throat and avoiding respiratory complications.

Not treating strep throat can lead to big problems, like pneumonia and other respiratory complications. Spotting strep throat symptoms early and getting medical help can stop these bad outcomes. It also protects your overall health.

Ear Infections and Throat Abscesses

If strep throat is not treated, it can cause ear infections and throat abscesses. These issues are painful and need quick medical help to stop more problems.

The bacteria from strep throat can move to the middle ear through the eustachian tubes. This leads to ear infections, also known as otitis media. These infections cause pain, swelling, and can even lead to hearing loss if not treated.

An untreated strep throat can also cause a throat abscess. This is a pocket of pus that is very painful. It might need draining or other treatments to heal.

Complication	Symptoms	Treatment
Ear Infections	Pain Swelling Hearing loss	Antibiotics Pain medication Drainage, if necessary
Throat Abscesses	Severe pain Difficulty swallowing Fever	Antibiotics Drainage or surgical intervention Pain medication

It’s crucial to get medical help right away if you think you or your child has these untreated strep throat complications. Quick action can stop the infection from spreading and lessen the chance of serious health issues.

Toxic Shock Syndrome

In rare cases, an untreated strep throat infection can lead to toxic shock syndrome. This is a life-threatening condition caused by toxins from streptococcal bacteria. These toxins can cause organ failure and shock. Getting medical help quickly is key to prevent this deadly complication of untreated strep throat.

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a serious condition that can happen when streptococcal bacteria spread to deeper tissues and the bloodstream. Symptoms include high fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and a fast drop in blood pressure. This can lead to organ failure if not treated.

People with weak immune systems, like older adults or those with health issues, are more likely to get toxic shock syndrome from an untreated strep throat. It’s crucial to get medical help fast. Antibiotics and hospital care can save lives.

“Untreated strep throat can lead to the development of a life-threatening condition known as toxic shock syndrome, which requires immediate medical attention to prevent potentially fatal complications.”

If you think you or someone you know might have toxic shock syndrome symptoms, get medical help right away. Quick action and treatment are vital for recovery and avoiding severe complications from this rare but serious condition.

Heart Failure

Recurrent strep throat infections can raise the risk of getting rheumatic fever. This condition can cause heart valve inflammation and scarring. If not treated, it can lead to heart failure.

Rheumatic fever happens when the body fights a streptococcus infection, usually from strep throat. The immune system mistakenly attacks the heart valves. This leads to swelling and scarring. Over time, the heart may struggle to pump blood, causing heart failure.

Heart failure is a serious issue where the heart can’t move blood well. Symptoms include shortness of breath, feeling tired, swelling in the legs and feet, and an irregular heartbeat. If not treated, heart failure can be deadly.

It’s key to treat strep throat infections right to avoid rheumatic fever and heart failure. Early diagnosis and antibiotics can lower the risk of these serious problems.

“Untreated strep throat can lead to serious complications, including rheumatic fever and heart failure. It’s important to seek medical attention and follow the prescribed treatment plan to prevent these potentially life-threatening conditions.”

Prevention Strategies

To stop strep throat from spreading, it’s key to keep clean. Washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds is a top way to prevent it. This simple act greatly lowers the chance of getting or spreading the infection.

Proper Handwashing

Washing your hands well is key to stopping strep throat. The CDC says to follow these steps for clean hands:

Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), and apply soap.
Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Make sure to cover the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Sing the “Happy Birthday” song from start to finish to know you’ve washed long enough.
Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
Dry your hands using a clean towel or let them air dry.

Cough Etiquette

Good cough manners also help stop strep throat from spreading. When you cough or sneeze, use a tissue or your elbow to cover your mouth and nose. Don’t use your hands, as they can spread germs to others or touch surfaces.

By doing these easy things every day, you can cut down the risk of getting or spreading strep throat. This makes a healthier place for you and everyone else.

Prevention Measure	Description
Handwashing	Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to remove germs and prevent the spread of infection.
Cough Etiquette	Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or the inside of your elbow when coughing or sneezing to contain respiratory droplets.
Avoid Sharing Personal Items	Don’t share things like drinking glasses, utensils, or towels to stop the streptococcus bacteria from spreading.

Conclusion

Untreated strep throat can lead to serious issues, like spreading the infection and causing inflammation. It can even lead to life-threatening conditions. Getting antibiotics quickly is key to stop these problems and recover fully.

This article highlights the need to see a doctor if you think you have strep throat. It talks about the risks of not treating it and how to lower the chance of getting or spreading the illness. It gives a clear view of the dangers of not treating strep throat and how to stay healthy.

It’s vital to deal with strep throat right away to keep from facing serious health issues later. By knowing the risks and acting early, people can keep themselves and their families safe from this serious illness.

FAQ

What are the risks of untreated strep throat?

Untreated strep throat can cause serious issues. These include spreading to other body parts, leading to inflammation, and causing rheumatic fever. It can also affect the kidneys, trigger a rare disorder in kids, cause pneumonia, ear infections, throat abscesses, toxic shock syndrome, and even heart failure.

What causes strep throat and what are the symptoms?

Strep throat comes from a bacterial infection, Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as group A streptococcus. It shows up as a sore, painful throat, trouble swallowing, fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and sometimes a rash.

What are the risk factors for developing strep throat?

Kids are more likely to get strep throat. It’s most common in young people. The risk goes up in winter and early spring when the bacteria spread more easily.

How can the infection spread if strep throat is left untreated?

If not treated, strep throat can move to other body parts. This includes the tonsils, sinuses, skin, blood, and middle ear.

What are the inflammatory conditions that can develop from untreated strep throat?

Without treatment, strep throat can turn into serious conditions. These include scarlet fever, kidney inflammation, rheumatic fever, and poststreptococcal reactive arthritis.

What is PANDAS and how is it related to strep throat?

Some think strep infection might link to a rare condition called PANDAS. This is a pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder. But, the connection is still being studied.

What is the potential impact of untreated strep throat on the heart?

If strep throat is not treated, it can lead to rheumatic fever. This can damage the heart valves. If not managed, it can cause heart failure.

How can untreated strep throat affect the kidneys?

Strep throat can turn into poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis. This causes kidney inflammation. It can lead to kidney problems and serious long-term effects.

What other complications can arise from untreated strep throat?

Without treatment, strep throat can cause pneumonia, ear infections, throat abscesses, and rare cases of toxic shock syndrome.

How can recurrent strep throat infections impact the heart?

Getting strep throat over and over raises the chance of rheumatic fever. This can cause heart valve inflammation and scarring. If not treated, it can lead to heart failure.

How can strep throat be prevented?

To stop strep throat, keep clean with soap and water for 20 seconds. Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing. Don’t share personal items to lower the risk.

August 28, 2024

what happens if strep throat goes untreated

Strep throat is a contagious bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria. It affects about 13,000 people in the U.S. each year. Some cases can even lead to early death. If not treated, strep throat can cause serious health problems.

These problems include pneumonia, meningitis, ear infections, throat abscesses, toxic shock syndrome, and rheumatic fever. It’s important to get medical help quickly. Antibiotics are key to preventing these serious issues and helping you get better.

Key Takeaways

Strep throat is a highly contagious bacterial infection that can lead to severe complications if left untreated.
Approximately 13,000 people in the United States experience severe strep throat infections each year, with some cases resulting in premature death.
Untreated strep throat can result in serious health issues such as pneumonia, meningitis, ear infections, throat abscesses, toxic shock syndrome, and rheumatic fever.
Prompt medical treatment and antibiotics are crucial to preventing the dangerous consequences of untreated strep throat.
Seeking immediate medical attention is essential to ensure a full recovery and avoid potential long-term health complications.

Recognizing Strep Throat Symptoms

Knowing the signs of strep throat is key for quick medical help and the right treatment. The main strep throat symptoms include a sudden, severe sore throat, fever, headache, and swollen lymph nodes. Unlike viral infections, strep throat doesn’t cause coughs or runny noses.

Fever

A high fever, over 101°F (38.3°C), is a clear sign of strep throat. This high temperature comes from the body fighting the streptococcal bacteria.

Sore Throat and Difficulty Swallowing

A sore, painful throat is a common strep throat symptom. The throat may feel raw, and swallowing can be hard and painful.

Red and Swollen Tonsils

Streptococcal bacteria can make the tonsils red, swollen, and possibly covered in white patches or pus. This tonsil inflammation is a clear sign of a streptococcal infection.

Swollen Lymph Nodes

The lymph nodes in the neck may swell and become tender due to the strep throat infection. This swelling shows the immune system is fighting the bacteria.

Getting a quick strep test from a doctor is crucial to see if the sore throat is from a streptococcal infection. Recognizing these signs of strep throat and getting medical help can prevent serious problems and help you get better faster.

Dangers of Leaving Strep Throat Untreated

Ignoring the risks of untreated strep throat can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications. If the strep infection is left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body. This can cause a range of dangerous conditions.

One of the most concerning complications of not treating strep is scarlet fever. This severe inflammatory illness can cause long-term damage to the heart, joints, nervous system, and skin. The strep bacteria can also trigger kidney inflammation and rheumatic fever. This can result in permanent consequences of ignoring strep throat.

The infection can spread to the tonsils, sinuses, skin, blood, and middle ear. This can lead to potentially serious infections in these areas. Prompt antibiotic treatment is crucial to prevent these dangerous complications of not treating strep.

“Leaving strep throat untreated can have serious, far-reaching consequences. It’s essential to seek medical care and follow the treatment plan to avoid potentially life-threatening complications.”

The bottom line is that the risks of untreated strep throat are too high to ignore. By recognizing the symptoms and seeking prompt medical attention, individuals can avoid the consequences of ignoring strep throat. This helps protect their long-term health and wellbeing.

Pneumonia: A Lung Infection

Untreated strep throat can lead to pneumonia, a serious lung infection. This happens when bacteria or viruses infect the lungs’ air spaces. Pneumonia shows up with symptoms like cough, fever, and trouble breathing if streptococcal bacteria reach the lungs. It’s crucial to get antibiotics for strep throat early to stop pneumonia from happening.

Pneumonia from strep can be mild or severe. Mild cases might just cause coughing, fever, and breathing issues. But severe cases can lead to serious problems like respiratory failure, sepsis, or even death. Sometimes, pneumonia is the first sign of a deeper health issue, so getting it checked and treated quickly is key.

“Pneumonia can be a life-threatening complication of untreated strep throat, underscoring the importance of seeking medical attention at the first signs of a sore throat or other respiratory symptoms.”

Recognizing and treating strep throat and pneumonia early can stop serious complications. People with weak immune systems or chronic lung problems are more likely to get pneumonia. They should watch out for any signs of respiratory issues and see a doctor right away.

Symptom	Mild Pneumonia	Severe Pneumonia
Cough	Mild, with some mucus	Severe, with increased mucus production
Fever	Low-grade	High, with chills and sweats
Breathing Difficulty	Mild shortness of breath	Severe shortness of breath, rapid breathing

Meningitis: Inflammation Around the Brain

Untreated strep throat can lead to meningitis, a serious condition. It causes inflammation and infection of the membranes and fluids around the spinal cord and brain. This streptococcal meningitis needs quick diagnosis and treatment to avoid severe issues.

Symptoms of Meningitis

The symptoms of meningitis from untreated strep throat include:

Fever
Severe headache
Neck stiffness
Nausea and vomiting
Sensitivity to light

Prompt Treatment is Crucial

Quick medical treatment is key when meningitis is suspected. It can be life-threatening if not treated. Antibiotics are usually needed to treat meningitis from streptococcal bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae.

“Bacterial meningitis can lead to life-threatening consequences if left untreated.”

Early diagnosis and quick treatment are vital to avoid severe meningitis complications. If meningitis symptoms appear, especially after ignoring strep throat, seek medical help right away.

Ear Infections and Throat Abscesses

Strep throat bacteria can cause more than just throat pain. If not treated, they can move to other parts of the body. This can lead to serious issues like ear infections and throat abscesses.

Ear infections from untreated strep happen when bacteria move up the eustachian tubes to the middle ear. This leads to pain, fluid buildup, and even hearing loss if not treated quickly. Throat abscesses caused by strep form as the infection worsens. They are pockets of pus that can block breathing and swallowing.

Both complications of strep throat need quick medical help. They can get worse fast, spreading the infection and causing more harm. Antibiotics are key to stop this and help the body heal.

“Ignoring strep throat can have serious consequences beyond just a sore throat. Allowing the infection to spread can lead to painful and even life-threatening complications.”

Don’t let strep throat get worse. Know the signs, get medical help, and follow your doctor’s advice. This can stop ear infections from untreated strep or throat abscesses caused by strep before they get worse. Your health is important.

Toxic Shock Syndrome and Organ Failure

In rare cases, an untreated strep throat infection can turn into a severe condition called toxic shock syndrome. This happens when the bacteria release toxins that spread all over the body. This can lead to organ failure from strep. It’s very important to get medical help right away to avoid this life-threatening strep complication.

Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome include shortness of breath, cough, fever, aches, pains, and chills. These life-threatening strep complications can get worse fast. That’s why getting treatment quickly is key.

“Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome is a rare but serious complication of strep throat that can lead to organ failure and even death if not treated quickly.”

If strep throat is not treated, the bacteria can spread. This can lead to life-threatening strep complications like toxic shock syndrome and organ failure. It’s very important to see a doctor right away if you think you have strep throat.

Strep throat and toxic shock syndrome are not common, but the risk of organ failure from untreated strep shows how important quick action is. By knowing the symptoms and getting medical help, you can greatly lower the risk of these life-threatening strep complications.

Rheumatic Fever and Heart Damage

Strep throat can turn into a serious condition called rheumatic fever if not treated. This condition can harm the heart, joints, skin, and nervous system. It can cause long-term damage if not treated right.

Rheumatic fever can seriously harm the heart. It can cause permanent damage to the heart’s valves and chambers. This can lead to heart failure, a condition where the heart can’t pump blood well.

The long-term effects of strep throat can be severe if not treated. Rheumatic fever from strep throat is a serious issue that needs quick medical help. Early treatment with antibiotics can lower the risk of heart damage.

“Rheumatic fever is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition that can develop as a complication of untreated strep throat. It’s essential to seek prompt medical care to prevent this dangerous outcome.”

Recognizing strep throat symptoms and getting treatment can lower the risk of rheumatic fever and heart damage. Being proactive with healthcare is key to protecting your heart’s health.

What Happens If Strep Throat Goes Untreated

Ignoring strep throat symptoms can lead to serious issues. The infection can spread and cause dangerous conditions if not treated. This is why it’s crucial to seek medical help.

One serious issue is getting pneumonia, a lung infection that makes breathing hard. Another risk is meningitis, which is a brain and spinal cord swelling. Both need quick medical care.

Ear infections and throat abscesses are also possible if strep is not treated.
Untreated, the infection can lead to toxic shock syndrome, a life-threatening condition.
Not treating strep can also cause rheumatic fever, harming the heart, joints, nervous system, and skin.

Getting medical help quickly is key to avoiding these risks. It’s important to treat strep throat with antibiotics to stay healthy.

“Untreated strep throat can lead to serious, life-threatening complications if not addressed promptly.”

Conclusion: Seeking Prompt Medical Care

If you or your child has strep throat symptoms, it’s key to get medical help fast. The importance of treating strep throat is huge. If not treated, it can lead to serious health issues that might even be life-threatening.

Tests, antibiotics, and other treatments can help. They can cure strep throat and stop bad outcomes.

Knowing why you should see a doctor for strep helps you act fast to protect your health. Catching strep throat early means you can avoid its risks and recover quickly. If you think you have strep throat, don’t wait to see a doctor. Quick action is crucial for your health.

Your health is too precious to risk. Don’t delay in getting medical care. By addressing strep throat early, you can prevent worse problems. With the right treatment, you can beat this infection and feel confident in your health choices.

FAQ

What are the potential complications of leaving strep throat untreated?

Untreated strep throat can cause serious issues like pneumonia, meningitis, and ear infections. It can also lead to throat abscesses, toxic shock syndrome, and rheumatic fever. These conditions can harm the heart, joints, nervous system, and skin. They can even be life-threatening.

How does untreated strep throat lead to pneumonia?

If strep throat is not treated, the bacteria can move to the lungs. This leads to pneumonia, a serious lung infection. Symptoms include cough, fever, and trouble breathing.

What is the risk of developing meningitis from untreated strep throat?

Untreated strep throat can spread to the brain and spinal cord membranes. This leads to meningitis, a serious condition. Symptoms are fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light.

How can untreated strep throat result in ear infections and throat abscesses?

Untreated strep throat can spread to the ears, causing painful infections. It can also lead to abscesses in the throat. These are areas filled with pus from the infection.

What is the risk of toxic shock syndrome from untreated strep throat?

Rarely, untreated strep throat can turn into toxic shock syndrome. This is a severe, life-threatening condition. It happens when toxins from the bacteria spread throughout the body, possibly causing organ failure.

How can untreated strep throat lead to rheumatic fever?

Untreated strep throat can trigger rheumatic fever. This is an inflammatory condition that can affect the heart, joints, nervous system, and skin. It can cause long-term heart damage, leading to heart failure if not treated.

August 28, 2024