Streptókokkahálsbólga

Streptókokkahálsbólga, commonly known as strep throat, is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the throat and tonsils. The causative agent is the bacterium *Streptococcus pyogenes*, also known as group A Streptococcus. This highly contagious infection spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also be transmitted by sharing food, drinks, or utensils.

Symptoms of streptókokkahálsbólga typically appear two to five days after exposure and can include a sudden, severe sore throat, pain when swallowing, fever, red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus, and tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth. Other possible symptoms include headache, rash, nausea, vomiting, and body aches. Some individuals may carry the bacteria without exhibiting any symptoms.

Diagnosis is usually made through a physical examination and a rapid strep test or throat culture. Treatment for streptókokkahálsbólga involves a course of antibiotics, typically penicillin or amoxicillin, to eliminate the bacteria and prevent complications. Completing the full course of antibiotics is crucial even if symptoms improve. Untreated strep throat can lead to more serious conditions such as rheumatic fever, which can affect the heart, joints, brain, and skin, or post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, a kidney disorder. Practicing good hand hygiene and avoiding close contact with sick individuals are important preventive measures.