ICD-10: J02.0Respiratory System DiseasesGeneral Severity
Streptococcal pharyngitis
Streptococcal pharyngitis, commonly called strep throat, is a painful bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils.
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Find PulmonologistsClinical Overview
Strep throat is an infection in your throat and your tonsils (the two lumps of tissue at the back of your throat). It is caused by specific germs called bacteria, which cause inflammation, or swelling and redness, in these areas.
Unlike a cold, which is usually caused by a virus, strep throat is caused by bacteria. This is an important distinction because while a cold will go away on its own, strep throat requires specific medicine to get better and to prevent other health problems.
Common Symptoms
- A sudden, severe sore throat that makes swallowing painful.
- Red, swollen tonsils that may have white patches or streaks of pus (thick, yellowish fluid).
- Tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth.
- Swollen and tender lymph nodes (small bean-shaped glands) in the neck.
- Fever and sometimes a headache or nausea.