Rheumatic heart disease prevention: Stopping strep throat
The most effective way to make sure that your condition does not escalate into rheumatic fever is to treat your strep throat infection. But how do you get strep throat in the first place? Strep throat is caused by a contagious bacteria called Streptococcus pyogenes, or group A Streptococcus. It is also known as group A strep or GAS.
What are the common symptoms of strep throat?
If a person is afflicted with strep throat, he may experience any of the following smptoms:
- Sudden fever with 101˚F (38˚C) or higher
- Sore, red throat with white patches
- Loss of appetite
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Difficulty in swallowing
This bacteria can easily be transmitted if you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth after being exposed. Since this bacteria is transmitted via droplets, you can also get infected when you are in close contact with someone who is coughing or sneezing. Sharing food and drinks is also another way for the bacteria to be transmitted.
Rheumatic heart disease prevention: Strep throat diagnosis
In order to determine if you have strep throat, your doctor will check for swollen lymph nodes and signs of inflammation in your throat. If you are suspected of having strep throat, the doctor will request for a rapid strep test. During a rapid strep test, your doctor will swab your throat with long cotton swabs to collect a sample.
It will take around five minutes for the results to come out. If your results come out negative, and your doctor still suspects that you might have strep throat, he will send a sample to another lab for further testing.
If ever you are diagnosed with strep throat, take note that no vaccine can help prevent it in the future. Keep in mind as well that every strep throat infection can lead to rheumatic fever, which can, therefore, cause rheumatic heart disease. Since strep throat is the primary cause for rheumatic fever, it is encouraged that you address any case of strep throat immediately.One of the most effective ways to avoid infection is to practice good, proper dental hygiene.