Strep Throat In Adults: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment Options And Prevention Strategies

Strep throat is a type of infection that affects the throat and tonsils. Strep throat in adults, while less common than in children, can still be a real pain. Caused by a bacterial infection, strep throat symptoms in adults can leave you feeling miserable with a scratchy, inflamed throat. The group A Streptococcus pyogenes bacterium is the leading cause of strep throat, characterised by inflammation and soreness. 

If you're an adult experiencing signs and symptoms of strep throat, you might be wondering: Do adults need antibiotics for strep throat? Well, yes. But there are so many preventive strategies that you can also take. And in this blog, we will discuss exactly that, along with strep throat symptoms in adults, so that you are equipped with the knowledge to recognise its signs and navigate diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies. 

Table Of Contents 

1. Strep Throat Symptoms In Adults: What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Strep Throat In Adults? 

2. Diagnosis For Strep Throat Symptoms In Adults 

3. Does Strep Throat Go Away By Itself? 

4. Treatment Options Available For Strep Throat In Adults 

5. Prevention Strategies For Strep Throat 

6. Are There Any Complications Dealing With Strep Throat In Adults? 

7. Expert’s Advice  

8. The Final Say 

9. FAQs 

10. References 

Strep Throat Symptoms In Adults: What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Strep Throat In Adults? 

Here are some common symptoms of strep throat in adults: 

1. Sore Throat 

Severe sore throat is one of the most common symptoms of strep throat in adults. Unlike a sore throat, which is often associated with a cold, strep throat often presents with severe pain that makes swallowing difficult and uncomfortable. The pain may feel like a sensation and may be aggravated by speaking, swallowing, or coughing.  

2. Painful Swallowing (Dysphagia) 

For adults with a sore throat, swallowing may be painful. Swallowing can cause an already infected and irritated throat, leading to throat and mouth ulcers. Even swallowing saliva can be a difficult task, causing loss of appetite and drinking very little water.  

3. Fever 

Strep throat for adults is often accompanied by fever, the body's response to infection. Strep throat in adults usually has a fever between 38.3°C (101°F) and 40°C (104°F). Fever, often accompanied by other symptoms such as sore throat and body aches, indicates an immune response to strep.  

4. Swollen Tonsils (Tonsillitis) 

Tonsils are located in the lower part of the throat and play an essential role in preventing infection by interfering with bacteria and other diseases. In strep throat, the tonsils become inflamed and swell, often to the point that the throat becomes blocked. Swollen tonsils may be red and large, sometimes with white or yellow spots or streaks indicating the presence of pus.  

Also Read: 10 Symptoms Of Tonsils In The Throat, Accompanying Diseases And Treatment Options  

5. Enlarged Lymph Nodes (Lymphadenopathy) 

In adults with a sore throat, the lymph nodes, especially those in the neck, may be itchy, swollen, and palpable. Lymphadenopathy is the body's response to infection as lymph nodes work to filter and trap bacteria and toxins found in the lymphatic system.   

6. White Patches Or Pus On Tonsils 

In addition to swelling, your tonsils may develop white lumps or pus discharge, especially if you have an infection such as strep throat. These plaques can have different sizes and distribution and are often accompanied by discomfort and difficulty swallowing. The presence of mucus is a sign of infection and can distinguish strep throat from streptococcal throat.   

7. Headache And Body Aches 

Many adults with strep throat experience body aches, headaches, and disease symptoms. The body's immune system against strep bacteria can lead to the full effect of the disease, causing muscle pain, joint pain, and headaches.  

Also Read: Natural Relief For Headaches And Migraines With Herbal Teas 

8. Nausea And Vomiting 

Although less common than other symptoms, some adults with sore throats may experience nausea and vomiting, especially if the illness is severe or accompanied by fever. Nausea may result from the body's response to toxins released by bacteria or from difficulty swallowing associated with throat inflammation. 

Diagnosis For Strep Throat Symptoms In Adults  

Following are the diagnosis methods of the associated symptoms of strep throat in adults: 

1. Medical History and Symptom Assessment  

The patient's past medical history will be thoroughly examined by the doctor, who will also inquire about any recent exposure to the patient's throat, the beginning and duration of symptoms, and any other problems below.    

Symptom testing focuses on the main signs of strep throat, such as sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, swelling of the tonsils, and white lumps or pus on the tonsils.   

2. Physical Examination 

The physician will look for indications of swelling, and inflammation of the lymph nodes in the tonsils, throat, and neck during the physical examination. The tonsils may be red and swollen and have a white or yellow lump, which is a sign of ascites. Large and tender lymph nodes in the neck (cervical lymphadenopathy) are a sore throat symptom.  

3. Rapid Strep Test (RST) 

A rapid diagnostic test (RST) is a rapid diagnostic test performed in a doctor's office. It involves taking a sample from the back of the throat and tonsils to collect secretion.   

The swab sample is then tested for group A Streptococcus antigen using a rapid antibody test. The results of rapid diagnosis are obtained within minutes, and if the results are positive, a diagnosis can be made quickly, and treatment can begin.   

4. Throat Culture  

If the rapid test is negative but strep throat in adults is still suspected based on clinical studies, you may have a streptococcal throat infection. During a throat culture, a sample is collected from the back of the throat using a cotton swab and transferred onto a culture plate containing a nutrient medium that promotes bacterial growth.  

The plate is then incubated for 24 to 48 hours to allow the bacteria in the sample to proliferate and form colonies. After incubation, colonies are examined for group A streptococci using biochemical or molecular methods. Throat pathology is considered the gold standard in diagnosing throat disease due to its precise nature, but results take longer to reach a rapid diagnosis.  

5. Additional Testing  

In some cases, the doctor may order some more tests to rule out other causes of sore throat or to evaluate the throat problem. These may include blood tests to detect markers of inflammation (such as C-reactive protein or erythrocyte sedimentation rate) or to measure kidney function in case of suspicion of streptococcal glomerulonephritis.   

If a problem such as a peritonsillar abscess is suspected, diagnostic tests such as a throat ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scan may be performed.  

6. Clinical Judgment  

Diagnosing throat infections in adults also involves making treatment decisions based on the overall medical picture, including severity of symptoms, risk factors, and response to treatment. Doctors use medical history information, physical examination, and laboratory results to make accurate and informed treatment decisions.  

Does Strep Throat Go Away By Itself? 

The group A Streptococcus bacterium is the source of strep throat. Even while some minor cases of strep throat may go better on their own without treatment, it's always advised to contact a doctor and get the right medication, including antibiotics. Here are the reasons why:  

1. Antibiotics Quicken Healing 

They lessen the length of illness, lessen the intensity of symptoms, and lessen the chance of complications, which frequently results in improvement within a few days. 

2. Preventing Complications 

Untreated strep throat, particularly in youngsters, can result in significant side effects like kidney inflammation or rheumatic fever.  

3. Limiting Transmission 

In addition to relieving symptoms, antibiotics help reduce transmission, which is essential for stopping the infection from spreading to other people.  

4. Symptom Relief 

While antibiotics fight the infection, over-the-counter painkillers and throat lozenges can help reduce discomfort.  

5. Seek Medical Advice 

It's important to see a healthcare professional as soon as possible to confirm a diagnosis and receive the proper treatment, which may include antibiotics if necessary. 

Treatment Options Available For Strep Throat In Adults 

Here are some treatment options available for strep throat in adults: 

1. Antibiotics 

Antibiotics such as penicillin or amoxicillin are the mainstay of treatment for strep throat in adults. These antibiotics work the best against the bacteria that cause sore throat, most commonly group A Streptococcus.    

Penicillin antibiotics work by hampering the growth of bacteria and eventually killing them. It usually takes 10 days to completely get rid of the infection. Additionally, amoxicillin (a type of penicillin) is often recommended in adults due to its broad spectrum of action and tolerance. Patients with strep throat should complete all antibiotics their doctor prescribes, even if symptoms improve before treatment is completed. Failure to treat may result in incomplete disease elimination and increase the risk of recurrence or complications.    

2. Pain Relief 

Sore throat and discomfort are common symptoms of strep throat, and over-the-counter pain relievers can help relieve these symptoms and increase overall comfort. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) are two examples of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) that can help lessen the painful throat, fever, and pain that are related to streptococcal sore throat.  

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is an additional option for pain relief and fever. It is generally well tolerated and can be used in people who cannot take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs due to contraindications or allergies. It is essential to follow the dosage instructions on the prescription and consult your doctor if you have questions about the drug's safety or interactions.   

3. Rest And Hydration  

Adequate rest and fluid intake are essential in treating sore throats because they strengthen the immune system and promote rapid recovery. Rest allows the body to take a break, conserve your energy and focus its resources on fighting.   

Adults with a sore throat should get enough sleep and avoid activities that may make symptoms worse. Hydration is essential to keep your throat moist and block dehydration, especially if you have a fever. Drinking ample amounts of liquids, such as water, herbal teas, juices, and electrolyte-rich beverages, can help relieve stress and prevent dehydration-related problems.  

Also Read: The Role Of Hydration In Immune Function 

4. Saltwater Gargles  

Using warm salt water to gargle is a simple but effective way to soothe a sore throat. Saline solutions help clear the throat, reduce swelling, reduce mucus production, and temporarily relieve discomfort.   

In a glass of warm water, dissolve roughly half a teaspoon of salt to make the saltwater rinse. After 30 seconds of swishing the solution around in your mouth, spit it out. Repeat as needed per day. Saltwater gargles are especially helpful in treating throat infections when used with other treatments, such as antibiotics. 

Prevention Strategies For Strep Throat 

Basic preventive strategies that can be adopted to combat strep throat in adults are: 

Are There Any Complications Dealing With Strep Throat In Adults? 

Here are a few complications that may be an issue when dealing with strep throat in adults: 

1. Rheumatic Fever 

Chronic sore throats can be a symptom of rheumatic fever, an inflammatory illness more common in children and adolescents. It happens when the immune system responds to incurable infections by mistakenly attacking its own tissues, including the skin, joints, heart, and central nervous system.   

2. Scarlet Fever 

Scarlet fever is caused by certain types of Streptococcus bacteria that produce toxins called enterotoxins. It often has symptoms like strep throat, including a sore throat, fever, swelling, headache, and minor, red, sandy rashes (called red rash) with swelling. Scarlet fever protects the body, hands, and feet.  

3. Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis   

Poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN) is a kidney disease that can occur when streptococcal infections are untreated or poorly treated. It occurs when the immune system is weakened against streptococcal antigens that accumulate in the kidneys' glomeruli and small blood vessels, causing inflammation and kidney failure. 

Expert’s Advice  

Dietitian advice for adults with strep throat is to stay hydrated. Select foods that are easy to swallow, such as soups, herbal teas, and smoothies. Avoid spicy or acidic foods that will irritate your throat. Consider eating soft foods such as yoghurt, mashed potatoes, and oatmeal to reduce discomfort. Follow prescribed antibiotics and get plenty of rest. 

Health Expert  
Akshata Gandevikar 

The Final Say 

Sore throat is a disease that affects both adults and children. Recognising symptoms, seeking treatment quickly, and using effective treatment and prevention strategies are crucial to managing strep throat and preventing complications. By understanding the causes, symptoms, treatment options, and prevention strategies outlined in this guide, seniors can take steps to maintain their health, drink clean, and stay healthy.  

FAQs 

1. Do adults need antibiotics for strep?  

Yes, if the infection is severe, antibiotics are a must.  

2. What does strep throat feel like in adults?  

Strep throat in adults feels like there is a swollen throat, and there is pain while swallowing food.