Strep throat, medically known as streptococcal pharyngitis, is a bacterial infection that causes a scratchy and sore throat. While it could affect people of all ages, this condition only accounts for only a small number of general sore throats. If left untreated, strep throat would lead to further complications, such as rheumatic fever or kidney inflammation. The exact levels of severity can vary from people to people. Some patients have mild signs like a headache, sore throat, or loss of appetite, while others have more serious conditions like swollen lymph nodes or difficulty swallowing. Below are 8 main causes and risk factors of strep throat you need to know.
Virus
Streptococcus infection is the main trigger of strep throat. It is caused when the bacteria called Streptococcal penetrate and attack your body. There are 4 different forms of Streptococcal, including A, B, C, and G. The A group is the most common cause of this health issue. Other strains tend to trigger skin and respiratory infections. These microorganisms would spread from people to people through physical contact or the air. In some rare cases, they would also be transmitted through water or food. In addition to strep throat, Streptococcal bacterial would also cause other health issues, such as scarlet fever, otitis, impetigo, or cellulitis. [1]
