Strep Throat
Strep throat is bacterial infection of the throat. Though many substances can cause throat irritation and infection, strep throat is caused by a bacteria known as Streptococcus pyogenes, or group A streptococcus. Strep throat is usually diagnosed in children, but can also be seen in teens and adults. The Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria are highly contagious, and spread by airborne droplets from infected people. The symptoms of strep throat include sore, scratchy throat, often with pain when swallowing, fever, swollen lymph nodes in the head and neck, and small red spots at the back of the throat and tonsils. This bacterial infection can also cause nausea, vomiting, rash on the body, headache, and body aches. Occasionally bacteria can spread and cause infection in the middle ear, sinuses, blood, skin, and/or tonsils.
Strep throat can be diagnosed with a rapid strep test which involves taking a swab of the bacteria in the throat. This test takes only minutes to detect the presence of group A streptococcus. Your doctor may choose to follow up with a throat culture, which takes a few days to result and confirm the rapid strep test.
Complications of Streptococcus pyogenes infection include scarlet fever, post streptococcal glomerulonephritis (an infection of the kidneys), rheumatic fever (an inflammatory condition affecting the joints, brain, heart, and/or skin), and/or tonsillitis or tonsillar abscess. Some research indicates a link between streptococcal infection in children and neuropsychiatric disorders (PANDAS– Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections).
The best prevention against strep throat infection is proper handwashing, covering the mouth when sneezing or coughing, avoiding sharing items such as cups or glasses, and washing items in hot water or a dishwasher to kill bacteria. Strep throat is most common in fall and winter, when groups of people are in close contact with each other, but can occur any time of the year. Those who are more susceptible to strep throat include children and those with compromised immune systems (such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, immunoglobulin deficiencies).
If You Have Been Diagnosed with Strep Throat
If your doctor confirms strep throat, antibiotics will be prescribe to treat the bacterial infection. Taking the antibiotic exactly as prescribed and finishing the entire dose recommended will decrease the chance of complications. Other remedies your doctor may recommend to alleviate symptoms include the use of over the counter medications to alleviate pain, keeping the throat hydrated, use of a humidifier to moisten the air, plenty of sleep, and gargling with water or salt water.
A Whole Health Perspective
Looking at strep throat through a Whole Health model, we explore the individual’s unique presentation from the 5 Aspects of Whole Health™ perspective.
1. Physically – The throat, and especially the tonsils within it, are part of the immune system. The tonsils and mucosal tissue in the throat and upper airway are designed to mount a protective response to invaders such as bacteria, viruses, irritants, and allergens. Keeping the lining of the throat and tonsil healthy and responsive can assist in proper function and in appropriate immune response. Some simple techniques include replacing the toothbrush frequently and especially after infection to avoid reinfection, not sharing eating utensils, glasses, etc., and washing hands frequently. Home care techniques to alleviate symptoms include gargling with salt water, taking in plenty of liquids and using a humidifier. Allergens and environmental irritants such as cigarette smoke may increase throat irritation and increase the risk and symptoms of strep throat, so avoiding these substances may decrease risk of infection, and symptoms if infected.
Because the throat and tonsils are part of the immunological response system, supporting the immune system is important in both preventing and in recovering from streptococcal infection. Chronic stress, such as a job change, relationship difficulties, or chronic illness, may cause dysfunction of the immune system, in part through its interaction with the adrenal glands. These glands function as the body’s stress response system, and when chronically stimulated by stress, the hormones they release may become dysregulated and negatively affect the immune system, in part by directly suppressing the thymus gland and bone marrow production of immune cells. Modulating the stress response, therefore, may positively affect the immune system and help ward off or recover from strep throat. Other organs important for healthy immune response include the gastrointestinal system, the liver, the spleen, and the skin. Adequate hydration, nutrition, and sleep, will support these organs and assist in the healing process.
Some research exists suggesting that acupuncture may assist in the modulation of the immune response, as well as reduce symptoms such as pain. Traditional Chinese herbal medicine may also be useful in fighting off viruses and bacteria.
2. Chemically/Nutritionally – Foods and chemicals ingested can impact health and wellness. Certain food, especially those one may be allergic to, may increase throat irritation in general. Determining and avoiding food allergens may reduce symptoms. Good health in general is supported with a nutrition plan that minimizes processed foods and foods high in sugar, saturated fat, alcohol, and chemical additives. These foods increase inflammation within the body. Proper nutrition supports the immune system, and including whole, organic, unprocessed foods, unsaturated fats, and plenty of fruits and vegetables in the diet can positively impact overall health, as well as create an internal environment which deters bacterial invasion. During times of illness, to appropriately support the body’s healing process and reaction to the stress of illness, attention to particular vitamins and mineral is important. These include cholesterol, protein, vitamins A, C, E, and B complex, essential fatty acids, and essential minerals. Supplementation with pre and probiotics can assist in healthy immune response, especially for those on antibiotics. Research indicates that vitamin D deficiency can impact immune health, including fighting off bacteria.
3. Emotional – Emotional responses communicate to the immune system and immune cells via chemicals called neuropeptides and neurotransmitters and through the adrenal glands (glands which respond to stressors and then biochemically communicate with other organs and tissues). Research suggests that engaging in positive emotional response positively affects the inflammatory response and immune system. Psychological and physical stress, and the associated negative emotions, may potentially negatively affect the immune system. Relaxation practices, such as diaphragmatic breathing, mindfulness, meditation, or yoga can be utilized to reduce the stress response. Other breathing techniques, such as alternate nostril breathing, can positively affect the stress response and immune system. Discussing difficult emotions, such as anxiety, frustration, anger, or grief, with a mental health practitioner may be helpful, as will finding supportive relationships.
4. Environmental – Strep throat is contagious and spread through either direct contact with an infected person or through airborne droplets, such as after a sneeze or a cough. Transmission of group A streptococcal bacteria is most likely to occur in places where people gather, such as schools. Practicing appropriate hygiene practices, such as hand washing and covering the mouth when coughing/sneezing, can minimize risk of transmission. In general, but especially for those with increased susceptibility, enhancing the immune response may decrease risk of becoming infected.
Exercise can regulate the immune system, but should be practiced moderately to decrease further physical stress. Other environmental factors, such as a stressful job, loud noises, may increase symptoms through their effects on the adrenal gland stress response and immune system. The messages and stimuli we absorb from the external environment biochemically communicates to the immune cells, and could potentially affect their function. Alleviating exposure to environmental allergens/irritants and stress could enhance the immune response. Spending time outdoors, especially in forest environments, can positively affect the stress response and the immune system.
5. Beliefs, Values and Worldview – also identified as Spirituality – Spiritual expression, whether through prayer, meditation, yoga, traditional worship, etc. has an influence on health and wellbeing, often by encouraging an understanding and connection between mind, body, and spirit. Possible feelings of isolation, living in discordance with one’s values, or inability to connect with support and the natural surroundings due to illness or other factors could increase stress and exacerbate symptoms. Finding connection between self, others, and the natural world can communicate health to the immune system and decrease stress during times of illness.